Category: Y Story

Staff Spotlight: Milah’s Leadership Development Journey

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

Staff Spotlight: Milah's Leadership Development Journey

At the YMCA, we believe in nurturing potential, fostering growth, and supporting our employees in their professional journeys. Milah’s inspiring story embodies this commitment. Starting as an intern, Milah has flourished into the Family Program Director at the Frank and Shirley Dick Family YMCA, showcasing remarkable growth and dedication.

Milah’s journey with the YMCA began with an internship, but her passion and dedication quickly propelled her into a full-time position. As the Family Program Director, she has embraced opportunities for professional development and continuously strives to enhance her skills and leadership abilities. Her commitment to growth led her to participate in Leadership Lenawee1  and complete the YMCA training, Principles & Practices2 in Chicago this spring.

Milah's Gratitude and Reflections

Reflecting on her experiences, Milah shared her gratitude for the YMCA’s unwavering support in her professional development:

“Just finished up at the final session/graduation of Leadership Lenawee and I just wanted to say thank you guys for believing in me and advocating for me to join this group. I have learned so much throughout the past 9 months that without a doubt will benefit me both personally and professionally throughout my whole career. I am excited for my continued growth in my position and in leadership in general using the things I have learned from Leadership Lenawee.

I can’t say enough good things about this program and how much it has benefited me in a leadership position, especially being so new in my career and still having a lot of things to learn. I would highly suggest this program to anyone who desires to grow in leadership!

I also just wanted to say thank you for sending me to Principles and Practices at the beginning of this month. I learned so much on how to be a good and strong leader for the YMCA and it truly inspired me realizing how I can make a real change and impact within the Y and the community. I also got to meet so many amazing people from all different levels within the Y leading to inspiring and motivational conversations and collaborations. This experience really was one of a kind and truly left me wanting to make more of a difference. Thanks again for your continued support and believing in me!”

A Bright Future at the YMCA

We are immensely proud of Milah and grateful to have her as part of our YMCA team. Her journey is a testament to the YMCA’s commitment to fostering professional growth and leadership development. The YMCA is not just a job; it is a community where young professionals can thrive, make a difference, and grow into impactful leaders.

If you are looking for a place to grow, lead, and make a difference, consider joining the YMCA. We are dedicated to supporting our employees’ journeys, just as we have supported Milah’s. Join us, and be part of a community that believes in the potential of every individual.

Join Us

1 Leadership Lenawee, a premier leadership development program by the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, focuses on nurturing the next generation of business and community leaders. This esteemed program runs from September to May, engaging participants in various topics and activities that foster personal and professional growth.


2 Principles & Practices is a core YMCA training initiative designed to inspire and educate YMCA professionals. This program deepens the understanding of the YMCA’s organizational culture, history, mission, and values. It emphasizes personal and career development, relationship building, and diversity and inclusion, equipping new YMCA employees with the tools to make a meaningful impact within the organization and the community.

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Supporting Anthony Wayne YMCA

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Supporting Anthony Wayne YMCA

GIVE TODAY

Updated: 03.26.24

In a world where many often experience financial barriers, finding ways to support one another becomes vital. Crystal Tollstam, the Executive Director of the Anthony Wayne YMCA, captures the essence of community support in her words: “The YMCA’s yearly fundraiser is crucial for helping people in need in our community.” These words resonate deeply, reflecting the mission of the YMCA to provide inclusive opportunities for all, regardless of financial constraints.

 

At the heart of the YMCA’s mission is the belief that everyone deserves access to programs that promote health and well-being. Thanks to generous donations, the Anthony Wayne YMCA is able to provide memberships and free programming, ensuring that individuals and families from all walks of life can participate. This inclusivity not only fosters physical health but also nurtures a sense of belonging and community spirit.

For Juliana and Josie Gillen, members of the Anthony Wayne YMCA, the impact of this community support is profound. They share, “The YMCA has been a staple in our lives… the level of comfortability is unmatched.” This sentiment echoes the sentiment of many who find solace and encouragement within the YMCA’s welcoming environment. Beyond just a gym, it becomes a place where relationships flourish and personal growth is nurtured.

“The Anthony Wayne Y has had a tremendous positive impact on the lives of my wife and I. We have both experienced life-changing transformations both physically and holistically. Going to Y has become part of an everyday routine and we have seen such great health improvements in our mood, in our sleep, in our cardiovascular and overall strength, increased energy, and in the ability to find balance in our lives. We don't know what we would do without the Y in our lives and feel blessed every day to be a part of the Y family!”
Rob and Nicole Kemmer, Members
“The YMCA's yearly fundraiser is crucial for helping people in need in our community. Thanks to donations, it provides memberships and free programming, giving everyone a chance to improve their health and well-being. By removing financial obstacles, the YMCA ensures that everyone can benefit from its programs. This collective effort not only brings our community together but also shows compassion and support for those facing challenges.”
Crystal Tollstam, Executive Director
“The YMCA has been a staple in our lives since we can remember. More recently as we’ve gotten older, we’ve grown to appreciate the Anthony Wayne branch because of the phenomenal management, friendly community and the level of comfortability is unmatched. Because of the YMCA, we have been able to grow in so many different ways. As me and my sister get older and busier with our schedules going to the gym is the time we carve out to do something together. The YMCA has become such a big part of our lives, and we love our YMCA community.”
Juliana and Josie Gillen, Members
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Rob and Nicole Kemmer’s testimonial further underscores the transformative power of the Anthony Wayne YMCA. They express gratitude for the holistic shifts they’ve experienced, from physical health to emotional well-being. Their story is a testament to the YMCA’s commitment to the wellness of mind, body, and spirit, recognizing that true health encompasses more than just physical fitness.

Supporting the Anthony Wayne YMCA isn’t just about funding a facility; it’s about investing in the health and vitality of our community. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive. By contributing to the YMCA’s yearly fundraiser, individuals are not only supporting their own health journey but also extending a hand to those who may need it most.

The Anthony Wayne YMCA stands as a place where barriers are broken down, friendships are forged, and lives are transformed. Together, let’s continue to support the Anthony Wayne YMCA and build healthier, more vibrant communities for all.

The Impact of Sharing Your Y Story

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

At the YMCA, we’re more than just a gym or a fitness center. We’re a community where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to grow, learn, and support one another. One of the most powerful ways we do this is by sharing our Y stories with each other.

Your Y story is a unique reflection of how the YMCA has impacted your life. Maybe you found your passion for healthy living through a fitness program, or maybe you met your best friend in a group exercise class. Perhaps you enrolled your child in our Child Care program and saw them develop new skills and relationships.

Whatever your Y story may be, we believe that it deserves to be heard. By sharing your story, you’re not only honoring your own journey, but you’re also inspiring others to discover the benefits of the YMCA community.

We’re inviting members, staff, and volunteers to share their Y stories with us through text, photo, or video. Additionally,  those who submit a Y story on video, will be entered into a drawing for a YMCA gift card.

 
 

EVERYONE HAS A Y STORY

Share yours today!

SHARE CONNECT BELONG

By listening to each other’s stories, we’re able to catch a glimpse of all the hope, strength, and determination across the YMCA and how everyone’s living the Y’s values.
 Beyond the chance to win a prize, sharing your Y story is an opportunity to connect with others and contribute to the larger mission of the YMCA. By listening to each other’s stories, we’re reminded of the values that unite us: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
 

Whether you’ve been a part of the YMCA community for years or are just starting to get involved, we want to hear from you. Your Y story is important, and we’re grateful for the chance to learn from and be inspired by your experiences.

My Y Story – Cathy Leonard

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum
“In Jr High, I was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and the therapy for this was swimming. I joined the West Toledo YMCA and began working out with the swim team. Hated every minute of it but became an excellent swimmer.
 
Fast forward to adulthood and having my own children, I knew I wanted my kids to learn to swim so we joined the Wolf Creek YMCA.
 
While enjoying our family membership I started taking water fitness classes and even became a water fitness instructor. I wanted to help the aquatic department so I became a lifeguard and swim instructor. With this knowledge, I was asked to help open the Fort Meigs YMCA , and became the aquatics director.
 
From there, I became a lifeguard trainer and swim instructor trainer. My childhood experience with the Y, brought me to the Y as an adult which, in turn, led me to the most rewarding career”
 
– Cathy Leonard,
YMCA of Greater Toledo Association Efficiency Director

EVERYONE HAS A Y STORY

Share yours today!

SHARE CONNECT BELONG

By listening to each other’s stories, we’re able to catch a glimpse of all the hope, strength, and determination across the YMCA and how everyone’s living the Y’s values.

My Y Story – Ken Howard

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

“I joined the Y in February 2023, and started taking the Silver Sneaker land classes. After a few months, I had a follow-up appointment with my endocrinologist and found my A1C had lowered significantly along with my blood pressure. I am very happy with the positive health results I have had as a result of attending these free classes.”

– Ken Howard, Eastern Community YMCA member

My Y Story – Maryetta Betz

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

“I have Parkinson’s Disease. Before coming to the Y, I had very limited mobility and bad balance, requiring me to use a walker at all times. I joined the Y and started participating in The Healthy Living, Parkinson’s Class. I started seeing improvements in my health and went from using a walker to a cane. I also added Balance and Brain classes to my schedule. My balance and mobility have improved so much and now I am no longer reliant on my cane.”

– Maryetta Betz, Eastern Community YMCA Member