Y Stories
We are always seeking member stories that help us show how the Y makes a positive impact on individuals and families in our community.
If you would like to share your YMCA experience please complete this
'Share your Y Story Form'
Alison Frye
“In June of 2016, my health care provider told me I was pre-diabetic, my vitamin D levels were too low, and my triglycerides were well out of range. She told me I had six months to work on my health or else I would have to go on long-term medications. I had been overweight since I was a teenager, but this was the first time I felt that my health was in jeopardy because of it.
I was scared and had no energy, but decided to fight for my health. I started working on my nutrition right away, but knew I also needed to start exercising; my mostly sedentary desk job had left me in horrible physical shape. I started with deep-water Aqua Jog classes at the YMCA a few times per week. As time went on, I began walking and then eventually training for a 5K race. After the 5K, I decided to start lifting weights and taking a variety of group exercise classes at the Y. Over the last 18 months I have competed in 5K and 10K races, a few triathlons, and the weight lifting challenge at the YMCA.
I visit the YMCA 5-6 days per week and it has saved my life. In total, I’ve lost 150 pounds and all of my blood work is normal. I love the variety of classes, equipment and resources that the Y has to offer. It’s such a positive environment where I always feel welcomed and encouraged by the staff and other members.”
In addition to being an active Y member, Alison recently joined our Fort Meigs YMCA Board.
Keegan
By volunteering in the West Toledo YMCA KidZone, 13-year-old Keegan was able to improve her social skills, build her self-confidence, and give back to her community, showing that anyone can make a difference at the Y.
When Keegan began to struggle at school due to auditory processing issues, her parents decided to get her involved with the Y as a way to work on her social skills and build her self-confidence. Keegan loves taking care of her younger sisters and cousins at home, so volunteering in the KidZone is a natural fit for her.
Since becoming a volunteer and working in the KidZone, Keegan’s parents say that her self confidence has improved dramatically, and she has become more responsible in all areas of her life.
In addition to volunteering at the Y, Keegan is an 8thGrader at Cardinal Stritch where she is a member of the Quiz Bowl Team, plays on the Soccer and Softball teams, and runs Cross Country.
We’re thankful for members like Keegan who volunteer their time and talents to help us make our community a better place.
Want to get involved at the Y as a coach, mentor, or tutor? Become a volunteer today: https://www.ymcatoledo.org/forms/get-involved/
Joan's Story
Joan attends Aqua Jog and loves it! She has gone from walking with a cane to walking with confidence at the Y within four months.
Before Joan was a member at the Y, she was hurt and had several surgeries. She struggled walking into the facility and needed a cane to support her. Joan was so tired; she had to rest between walking in and taking a group fitness class. To help her build her strength back up, she started attending Aqua Jog at the Wolf Creek YMCA and within four months, she could walk without a cane.
“I feel so much better now at 70 than I did at 65!” said Joan.
Even though she may have some bad days, Joan finds coming to the Y and participating in the class helpful and enjoyable. Not only does she feel healthier and stronger, but she has also made some long-lasting friends along the way.
Like Joan, our members find the support and motivation they need to live a healthier lifestyle through access to group fitness classes, personal trainers, and knowledgeable staff. Everyone belongs at the Y, and we want you to join us!
Nicolas’s Story
With the help and support of the Y, his counselor, his friends and family, Nicolas has learned how to be independent and to be confident with himself.
In the summer of 2015, Christina and Brian Fulton enrolled their children, Nicolas and Brianna, to summer camp at the Wolf Creek YMCA, with the help of the Lucas County Board of Development Disabilities. They were excited for their children to be a part of a summer program that offers education, fun and a chance to make new friends, but Christina and Brian knew it would be a challenge for Nicolas. However, he had a wonderful counselor, Rachard, who not only had a disability, but also became a big part of the Fulton’s lives.
With Rachard’s help, Nicolas became more independent and participated in as many activities as he could. One activity Nicolas loved in particular was swimming; however, it was a challenge. After summer camp was over, he began private swim lessons with Rachard at the Wolf Creek YMCA and grew to become a strong swimmer.
This summer, Nicolas passed his swim test and was proudly given a green swim band and is able to swim independently.
“We are so happy we found a summer program that can help Nicolas not only be independent, but also teach the new campers year after year that if you try your hardest and work at something, you too can achieve it.”
Dori Boggs' Granddaughter
The Y helped Dori Boggs’ granddaughter achieve her goal and set new ones.
During the summer, Dori would take her grandchildren out on her boat. All of her grandchildren wanted to jump off the boat. However, one grandchild was frustrated, because she had to wear a lifejacket. Dori decided to sign her up for the Fort Meigs YMCA summer swim lessons at the Perrysburg Municipal pool.
When her granddaughter saw the high dive at the pool, she said, “I want to jump off that high dive at the pool.” Dori replied, “But you have to learn to swim first!”
On July 16, Senior Program Director, Wendy Baldwin evaluated Dori’s granddaughter’s swimming skills. Dori watched her granddaughter swim back and forth for the first time. “The look on her face was priceless!” she said.
Dori was so impressed with her granddaughter and so was Wendy. Wendy moved the 6-year-old up from School-Age Level 2 to School-Age Level 4.
A couple days later, during her first level 4 class with Y instructor Henry; she jumped off the high dive twice. Then she told her grandmother, “I want to do a back flip off the high dive.” Dori replied, “But you have to take the diving class and learn how to dive.”
Thanks to our Y staff, Dori’s granddaughter was able to achieve her goal and to set a new one.
Visit the Member Service Desk at your local Y branch to learn more about our swim lessons and other Y sports and specialty programs.
Cheryl Tyler-Folsom
A Toledo native, Cheryl Tyler-Folsom has been a true friend of the Y; she is an active volunteer, Trustee, and was recently named Trustee for Life. In 1990, she joined the Wayman Palmer board and was instrumental in the Capital Campaign to expand the branch. Cheryl recognizes the importance of the Y in the Toledo community, and the unique opportunity to positively influence the kids who go through the child care program.
One of Cheryl’s favorite events is the Wayman Palmer Christmas program. She notes how much of an impact the Vena Trust shopping spree and meeting with Santa has on the children of the community every Christmas.
“These kids, a majority of them didn’t ask for toys for themselves; they’d ask for presents for their mothers or siblings.” She said. “Some children would simply ask for their father to come home from jail.” Without the generous support of our donors, events like these just simply wouldn’t be possible.
“We need people to be aware that money does run out.” She said. “The Wayman Palmer need is great, and we need to continue to grow the program.” Cheryl keeps active at the Y throughout the year as a volunteer and serves on the marketing and the global centers of excellence committees, further evidence of her commitment to the Y and our mission. She also enjoys working out at the Wayman Palmer or Summit facilities in her spare time.
“I really enjoy being involved at Wayman Palmer Y,” she said. “I like to keep up with what’s going on in my community.”
The Amburgey Family
THE AMBURGEY FAMILY
Justin and Rebecca Amburgey along with their three small children, Cullen, Knox and Thatcher are members of the Sylvania YMCA/JCC. With the introduction of the Y For All income based plan, Justin said, “The new model allows my entire family to take part in the Y at an affordable price.”
Justin and Rebecca take several fitness classes, enjoying all the benefits of their membership. “Having the fitness classes at no additional cost allows my wife and I to participate three or four times a week,” said Justin.
Since joining the Y, the Amburgey family dedicates every Friday to family night. They join other Y families for swim, fun and community.
Y For All is making a positive impact in the lives of the Amburgeys, allowing for a place to grow, connect with others and be a part of something special.
Julia's Story
“The Y is a place where you can achieve your goals and dreams, make amazing friends, and feel good about yourself,” said Julia Lee, sophomore at Perrysburg High School and longtime Y member.
Julia started swimming at the Y with her family when she was a year old. At 7, she officially began swim lessons, learning to dive and perfecting her technique throughout the Minnow, Pike, and Eel programs and beyond.
“Swimming at the Y prepared me mentally and physically to compete on my high school swim team,” she said. At the Y, she learned how to respect her coaches, be a part of a team, and through hard work and determination, she was able to make the varsity swim team at Perrysburg High School as a freshman.
Growing up in the Y’s aquatics program has a lasting impact on Julia. “I learned to push myself; I am my own competition.
So maybe you get 12th place, but you dropped 14 seconds, that is still a great achievement!” Julia credits the Y’s aquatics program with not only teaching her the skills necessary to excel in the pool, but also helping her become a better person.
“I learned to believe in myself. It’s not always about what place you get, but what you achieve that day.”
Ann Friedholm
“The YMCA Storer Camps gave me the opportunity to have a life that was more authentic to who I was. Camp was a place where I was free to be me.”
Every year at YMCA Storer Camps, campers gain self-esteem and confidence by challenging themselves with a wide variety of enriching activities and experiences including sailing, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, team sports, and more.
Ann Friedholm grew up with YMCA Storer Camps, first attending camp in 1981 and returning year after year. Ann looks back on her experience with more than just fondness—to her, YMCA Storer Camps was where she grew into the person she was meant to be.
“The impact of summer camp is two-fold. There’s the emotional experience; Storer is a safe place where kids can be who they truly are without the daily pressures of who people want them to be.” She continued, “And there is the environmental, physical aspect of camp; the memories that weren’t a part of regular life that showed me what I could accomplish.” At Storer, Ann learned to sail, canoe, and kayak.
Naturally, Ann wants the same enriching experience for her own children. It wasn’t a hard sell for her kids to attend camp; all it took was a one-time visit to YMCA Storer Camps for a summer preview day.
In addition to sending her children to summer camp, Ann takes advantage of the opportunities offered at the Y throughout the year.
“Youth development is the key—and safety. I drop my kids off for lessons or classes. The Y is a place that I trust to help develop my children and teach them important skills for life.”