A supportive environment...Space for me to stretch...A place where my family can swim together...A cozy place where I can read...Where I meet others in the community...
A safe place for my kids...
For some, the YMCA is a place they go to get some exercise or take their kids. For others, the YMCA is like a second home where they build relationships with others. For most, it's a combination of lots of things.
Here is what the Y means to a few of the 23,000 people the YMCA of Greater Nashua touched last year.
I got out of college, and came here in 1963 - while they were building the building on Prospect Street. We saw a field, then a frame - and a year later they dedicated it. By the time I retired in 1991, I'd had the pleasure of seeing at least 2 generations of kids come through the YMCA, as the Physical, Aquatic and Youth Director.
It holds true now as it always did: our children are our stake in the future. For a better tomorrow, for our kids, this is an investment in the future. This new building will be built in spite of the economy - because it's needed. The Y is growing! -- Steve Rogers
I went to different gyms, but once I had kids I made the Y connection. I don't think most families know all the Y has to offer. Once you come and take a class, you're hooked. I talk to my patients about the Y Cares Financial Assistance program, because they'll say money is a barrier to exercise. The Y finds ways to help. -- Jen Lavallee, Nurse Practitioner and Y member
The City of Nashua has a strong downtown, quality schools, and numerous colleges. We have an active Chamber of Commerce, we're home to the largest employer in the state, and we have wonderful parks and natural areas. Nashua is a great place to live - and a new, state-of-the-art YMCA will be a perfect addition to the "Gate City" of New Hampshire. - Bernie Streeter, former Mayor of Nashua and Chair of the Proud Heritage...Exciting Future Capital Campaign
I've been a member of the Nashua YMCA longer than anyone else alive! I'll be 72 next month, and I joined at the age of 7 in 1944. I lived in the Greek section of Nashua and went there after school. It's a great place for kids to be, to meet other kids. Not every kid is an athlete, and at the Y you don't have to be. You learn how to get along, compete, and play with other kids. I thought it was a big deal - I always enjoyed it. It was a big part of my life. Today, I still enjoy the Y; I go 4-5 days a week. I've always loved it, always belonged and I've made it part of my life. I've made some of my closest friends there. -- Tony Mandravelis
You become a part of the Y mission when you invest in the Y. When you partner with the YMCA, you can really affect positive change. People can turn to the Y for financial assistance, for recreation, for child care, for after school programs. These are critical programs for families, for kids, and for teens at risk. - Mark Doyle, Deputy Chief, Merrimack Police
I learned values very young, and take right and wrong into consideration. Everyone at the Y was accepting and inclusive; no one was called a loser. Right now, when I have money I put it toward a Y membership - my money is better spent at the Y than at the mall! - Jane Starke, age 17, lifelong YMCA member
I like the Y because of the myriad of sporting activities it provides. I used to belong to a gym that was just that -- a gym -- and to be honest, it was quite boring. There, it was either run the treadmill or elliptical, or lift weights. The Y, though, is so much more. If I want to leave the elliptical or treadmill for awhile, I can. The other sports offerings allows me to vary my routine and avoid monotony. Thanks to the Y, I fell in love with racquetball! WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE NEW Y: I am excited for a new, state-of-the-art fitness facility with even more opportunities to play the sports I love. I am looking forward to working out in a fitness facility that is second to none. - Jim Lockwood, Age 28, Nashua, NH
" YMCA's all around the US and the world have made such a huge impact. While growing up, we all knew of the Y to be the "local" organization where a kid or youth can: a. Learn swimming, b. Hangout with your friends and workout, c. Play pickup basketball games etc.
For most people, there was always a Y within a 50 mile radius. And from the cost perspective one of the most affordable workout places around. Actually YMCA's are more than that. It's
1. A place where a family can go and enjoy time together or by themselves, all under one roof.
2. A place where communities interact regardless of age, race, color or sex.
3. A place where our youth is safe instead of the streets, where they may be prone to trouble.
4. A place where our seniors can socialize in their golden years while trying to keep fit as well.
5. A place where adults can catch a quick workout out of their busy schedule.
4. Last but most important of all, a place where folks come in and forget about all their worries,
rejuvenate themselves and then head right back out to take on the challenges of everyday life.
Really, it's a place for all to take a break, come in and cleanse the Mind, invigorate the Body, and
refresh the Soul. Isn't that what "Strong" is all about!" -Suresh Kumar, YMCA Family Member and Volunteer on Board of Directors
Want to share what the Y means to you? Email Marsha Bottino at mbottino@nmymca.org
