The experience of the last two years has forced us all to make many unforeseen, unwelcomed and tough choices, both personally and professionally. It's made us all think about the commitment we have to one another as fellow citizens and to sift through a mountain of information, some based on empirical evidence and some clouded by less overtly defined interests. When we made the decision to require that Y associates become vaccinated against COVID-19, we did it by weighing all the available evidence from public health experts and the available data that vaccination (including boosters) is the surest and best way to prevent serious illness and to move us out of the pandemic.
At the Y, we try every single day to make good on our obligation to put the well-being of our community at the forefront, recognizing how highly inter-connected we are as humans. Weighing all the variables, in the final analysis our associate vaccine requirement still seems like the only responsible thing to do for the approximately 2,000 associates who work for the Y and for the tens of thousands of children and adults we serve and are in close contact with across Y sites and programs on a daily basis.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our associates who are pushing through all of the obstacles to help others feel and be healthier and more connected in every way. When I look back at this unusual period of time, among all the deeply etched images none will be more pronounced and meaningful to me than the image of Y associates showing up every single day to care for and about others. When so many were turning inward, Y associates were turning outward for the benefit of others. Our community is a healthier, stronger and more connected place because of them. I join a chorus of Y members and participants (a tiny fraction of whom are represented by the comments below) who are deeply grateful.
- "I appreciate that the associates are vaccinated! Thank you. I’m sure it wasn’t easy. I also love the variety of classes and times. The front desk is welcoming and the facility is spotless. Great place to be. Thanks for all your efforts." (Cindy, Y Member)
- "My boys enjoy going. They have fun and always talk about the activities they do. They always say the associates are so kind and friendly." (Jacob, Y Before & After School Enrichment Parent)
- "For me, this is a place of fellowship. Thank you" (Jacob, Y member)
I am deeply grateful to our amazing Y associates and the generous community they support for always looking ahead with optimism and good faith. If the buzz and activity I see in all our Y family centers and various youth development programs is any indicator, the spirit and resilience of our collective Y community is a harbinger of good things to come!
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland