Bishop Choate’s Journey With The Y
Bishop Stanley Choate has been a valued YMCA member for nearly 20 years, but his experiences over the past five years have been the most impactful. Along with many of his family members, Bishop Choate has utilized the Y in various ways, making a powerful impact on the community in the process.
His journey with the Y began at the former Prospect Street location, where he sought a place to exercise and play basketball. Now 80, he uses the Y for physical rehabilitation after surviving a life-changing incident when he was shot while officiating a wedding. The road to recovery has been long and painful. Choate woke up in a hospital bed unable to move or remember what had happened. He lost the use of his legs and arms and had to relearn how to walk. During his rehabilitation, his medical provider recommended an exercise coach to help loosen his joints and rebuild strength. Choate returned to the Y, where staff supported him in this journey.
In recent years, Bishop Choate has made significant progress, though he acknowledges he will never be quite the same. He credits the Y with playing a crucial role in his recovery, sharing that exercise helps him both physically and mentally. He also appreciates the social aspect of the Y, noting that the community has been incredibly welcoming.
As part of his continued recovery, Choate aims to visit the Y three times per week. His wife, Ruth, typically joins him, though they engage in different activities—she walks on the track while he focuses on upper body exercises or uses a stationary bike. He emphasizes the importance of staying active, saying, “If I keep busy, my body doesn’t stiffen up. I can stay on top of my mobility.”
For the Choates, being part of the Y is a family affair. Ruth and Stanley have been active members for years, their son Stanley Jr. ran the Church Basketball League at the Y, and many of their grandchildren participated as well. Their son John has also been a longtime member, and his wife, Carlisa, now proudly serves as the Y’s Executive Director of Education.
Reflecting on his journey, Bishop Choate shared, “I have found being a part of the Y to be very rewarding.”
Bishop Stanley Choate’s journey with the Y is a testament to strength, faith, and the power of community. His story is just one of many that show the Y is more than just a gym—it’s a place of healing, support, and connection for him and his family.
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