April 1, 2019
Have you ever watched the Olympics or some tremendous feat of human accomplishment and thought "that looks easy! I think I could do that?" That feeling happens when you are seeing someone who is so good at what they do that it you almost take it for granted, but of course that is the art of true excellence. Hard work and intentionality makes what is unique and special seem commonplace and easy.
It is with this in mind that I share these wonderful recent comments from our members and participants about their Y experiences. They demonstrate what happens when we are intentional about the work we do and the feelings we want to engender within the community we serve. The power of these comments is in their simplicity. They tell us everything we need to know about how people want to be treated and what our secret sauce is: caring and acceptance. Take a look.
"It's inexpensive, it's family oriented; I can stay on track with maintaining my health and introduce it to my daughter as she grows up. Gets us out of the house on cold or wet days."
"Have disabilities? No problem, This is the place for no judgements! It is an awesome place! A place where all are welcome!! So many choices for exercise and a workout without the pressure of ‘You’re doing it wrong!’"
"Dropped something on the floor there and you took the time to mail it back to my home."
"I enjoy the Y. I was a member ages ago, and when I moved back, I re-joined. It's bigger, but still feels very community-centered. I'm glad I'm back."
"We loved the PJ party. They had a moon bounce, hair colorings, design your own pillowcases and some other awesome stuff. They also had cereal and snacks to eat. But the moon bounce was the favorite thing for my girls. We love all of these events that the Y puts on. It gives us things to do together as a family that we can all enjoy!"
"My daughter is 6 years old and she loves Parents Night Out. She looks forward to it every month. She loves all the activities and going to the rock wall. But most of all she loves to see all her friends at the Y."
"My family loves this Y. We spend many hours at the pool. Nine of our 11 grandchildren belong to the Y! "
"The lifeguards are very kind. I appreciate their help."
As simple as these comments seem, they reveal an intentional, carefully defined strategy and philosophy about community building that takes hard work and constant vigilance to do properly. Hats off to the many, many people across the Y who live our mission so well that it impacts every day interactions.
Thank you. The work of the Y may seem easy, but in fact it's an art and the Y’s associates are wonders to behold!
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland