MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT “I have been a member of the Lakewood YMCA for over 10 years. The YMCA is such an important part of my life. I am a diabetic amputee of one leg and therefore I need to work extra hard to combat the effects. Without the YMCA I would most likely have lost my second leg to diabetes. The regular exercise has literally helped me avoid this and keep my diabetes under control. The facility is clean and completely accessible which is so critical. The ramp in the pool enables me to wheel MYSELF in and out of the water. The YMCA staff and a number of members motivate me with their commitment and encouragement as I face this daily battle. The people at the YMCA treat me like family, both staff and members. They are always ready to help and I cannot say enough about them and how much this means to me. I am also grateful to Donna and the women in the afternoon water exercise class who allow me to do my workout while class is going on." - Billy C, YMCA Member

I've been a lifeguard at the Lakewood YMCA since August of 2012 - so my 4 year anniversary is coming up (yay!) I've always loved working for the Y for several reasons, a major one being that it is very conducive to being a full time student. As my junior year in college is approaching, it is comforting to know that I have a job that not only enables me to finance my education, but also is willing to work with me around my school schedule. I feel so blessed to have a part time job that I love so much, too often young people settle for jobs that they absolutely hate simply because they need a job - I'm very lucky that I never had to do that. In addition to lifeguarding I teach a lot of swim lessons. Many of the students that I currently teach, I've been teaching for a while. Its amazing to see the progress that they make as swimmers and how much they learn to love it! I can remember several times when I was having a bad day and getting in the water to do what I love made it instantly better!

My coworkers are also some of my best friends (which is a total plus!) I feel that the staff here meshes so well together that it doesn't even feel like work. All my coworkers are a joy to be around and so easy to get along with. It makes the environment just that much better and makes me love being a part of this team SO much more! Over the years at the Y I've been promoted to head lifeguard and then ended up stepping in for our Aquatics Program Director, Monica, while she is on maternity leave. The YMCA has given me opportunities to become a better leader, better team player, and better person in general. I'm eternally grateful for the valuable skills I've gained over these past 4 years, and I'm eager to keep growing as a person through the YMCA!

Jane M – Head Lifeguard

MISSION MONDAY Alicia H

What does the YMCA mean to me? Two years ago, if you would have asked me this question, I would not have been able to give you clear answer. Growing up, I had only been to the YMCA in my hometown to play in the youth basketball league, and take gymnastics class. Now, after working in the YMCA of Greater Cleveland for almost 2 years, I can tell you that the YMCA is so much more than just a fitness center, a swim and gym. The Y is a place to come and meet new friends that you may have for a lifetime, a place for families to come and participate in activities together, a place for youth to grow up in and an organization striving to make a difference in the community.

For me, the Y is a second home, and I enjoy being at work every single day. I started my journey in the fitness industry at a fitness center on the east side of Cleveland. It was a smaller facility that offered your typical fitness activities. The members were very friendly, but always seemed to come in with the mentality of getting their work out in and leaving. You rarely had people stop to chat and tell you about their day. While I loved working there, I wanted to start on a new path and decided to go back to school

to work on my Master’s degree. With my school schedule being very full, being assistant coach to the Cleveland State Dance Team, and trying to work full time, I decided it was best that I find a new career and leave. Once I came to the YMCA, I knew that I had found the perfect fit for me. I love that it feels like a family here, and that I know I will always enjoy my day at work. I love meeting new members and listening to their different stories. I love that we offer financial assistance to those in need, and it is great to see the impact this has on those particular families. I think it’s awesome that we offer youth memberships, which allow them to have a safe place to participate in activities, and of course I love the staff that I work with. I am beyond grateful that I have had the opportunity to grow in this organization and will always cherish the valuable lessons it has taught me.

- Alicia H, Membership Lead MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT Louise F and Jimmy G

Pictured above are: (Left) Louise with kindergarten Teacher

Mr. Nagele (Center) Louise with kindergarten students, (Right) Jimmy G

The YMCA is a great place to reconnect with your

community. This week we have an exciting story about a

member as well as an employee. Our story starts with our member Louise and her volunteer

work with the Lakewood City Schools. Louise worked with the Kindergarten class at Lincoln

Elementary for over 20 years as a reading and writing instructor. During that time she had a

young student by the name of Jimmy in the class of 1997. After many years the two have been

reunited, but this time the teacher and student roles are reversed. Louise is now the student and

Jimmy the teacher.

“In September of last year I sustained an injury that left me

unable to continue with my training as well as complete

some of my daily activities. I was out of action, resting and healing for nearly 6 months. Since I

had always lived an active lifestyle through exercising and volunteering, this was very hard for

me. After almost 6 months I decided that I needed someone to help me get my body back on

track and I approached the YMCA; this is where Jimmy came back into my life.

I have always been very active volunteering in the community. My dog Oliver and I are a

certified T.D.I (Therapy Dog International) pet therapy team and one of the things Oliver and I

love to do as volunteers is visit patients at the local hospitals. Lifting a 22-pound schnoodle on

and off of a bed was a challenge, especially after all of the inactivity. The Lakewood YMCA and

Jimmy came to my rescue with some much needed guidance and programing structure.

The training has gone very well with Jimmy and I have just about returned to form in the past 8

weeks of our training. I feel so much better now thanks to Jimmy and the way he

has challenged me and found ways to make me stronger. In our training we use free

eights, a TRX suspension system, tension bands, and other pieces of exercise equipment. The

YMCA has not only helped me reconnect with my physical self, but helped me reconnect

with an old student and friend.”

MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT “My name is Gabe and since I was a kid I have been at the Lakewood YMCA, working on my game. I play pro basketball and I would not be where I am today without the Lord my Savior and the YMCA. This is the one place where I can come and actually have some peace. Every person that works here treats me like I am family. This place is literally like my second home. What has always impressed me with the YMCA are the values. I love that it is a Christian gym and really just helps out the younger generation. Thank you Lakewood YMCA for everything!

Gabe D, YMCA Member

MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT

MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT When I moved to Lakewood after living in Japan, I looked for a martial art I saw demonstrated there. I found Aikido, often translated as "The Way of Harmonious Spirit", just down the street at the Lakewood YMCA. Aikido focuses on harmonizing with your opponent to bring peaceful resolutions to conflict. In the class, we also learn the Japanese Police force martial art, called Taihojutsu. The class encourages conflict resolution. The instructor, Paul Minkler, has decades of martial arts experience and his classes truly put the mission of the Y ("build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all") at the forefront. The class continues to be a great way for me to keep in shape physically, mentally, and spiritually. I've been coming to the Lakewood Y for more than 15 years. I've not

only enjoyed the martial arts class, but as I explored other fitness activities, the Y had enough classes, programming, and equipment to keep me engaged when my fitness interests changed. I like to cross-train using a variety of exercises, including running, lifting weights, rowing and more; the Lakewood Y has the variety of equipment and knowledgeable staff to help keep my exercise interesting. Now that my spouse and I have young children, the Pathway center has become integral to our routines. My kids look forward to coming to the Y to play with their friends and they have developed an interest in exercise. We regularly go to family swim to play in the pool. I've noticed that as the children grow older and become interested in different activities, they Y has the equipment and programming to grow with them. While the building and the equipment at the Lakewood Y has changed considerably since the first day I joined, the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff is the same high quality. The Lakewood Y is a community asset and I'm proud to be a member. (Pictured left to right, Instructor Paul Minkler, me and class member Elliot Carter)

- Joe Sgambellone, Member

MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT "I felt like so many other people with odds stacked against me; a barrage of health issues fighting me; pound, after pound, after pound, having piled up over time; lost at the thought of what do beyond an elliptical machine. All of this changed with my first personal training package, purchased for me as a gift. I had tried personal training before, but this time was different; I was ready to take my fitness journey seriously and I didn’t even know it. What was different this time was the support that I have had at my Lakewood YMCA, not only with my personal trainer, DJ, but through every facet of the facility. I truly feel like it is not just my journey, it is OUR journey together that provides, for me, the accountability I need to keep moving toward my goals. The Y has provided for me so many opportunities for success, because I can tailor it to my life. I continue meeting with my trainer who has taught me the foundational skills (and more) I needed to move out of the elliptical area and into the weight room. He has been a constant support and has helped me to build my own intrinsic motivation and accountability to my own health and fitness life. I have been introduced to other trainers and clients from whom I have learned a great many things and are now great motivators and resources. I have started taking different classes throughout the week and in those classes I have met new friends, some of which I have forged relationships with outside of Y. I look forward to seeing these people each week, as we push each other to work harder. In addition to those people I met in the classes, there are many other people who have stopped me just to take note of the hard work and changes to my fitness they have noticed over the course of my time here. People that I have never even spoken to before have stopped me on a treadmill or on my way into the weight room. They are these moments that make feel like this is communal journey, where I have a huge cheering section behind me. I ran my first 5k last year- and I am NOT a runner, in fact I hate it, but I still did it, because I felt so supported by this community that I was ready to push myself to try. Two years later and 50 pounds lighter, I still have work to do, but I feel great! I feel like I already accomplished something that I never thought I would. But really, above all else, I love feeling strong." - - Shelby D, member

MISSION MONDAY

“Walking at the local Y became part of our routine. Years ago the class started meeting 3 days a week with Shelly in the lead. Each time we met, we walked and talked with others that were there. Fitness, health, our community and friendship are the things that we would share.

Sadly, though, the class did end, the instructor went her way. We were unsure of what to do, thinking we would have to quit. But then, thank goodness, our little group decided not to split.

We kept walking each and every week, maintaining our health and increasing our friendship. We walk 3-4 miles every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, each time rotating to a different course in Lakewood. Now 15 years later here we are – friends from the Lakewood YMCA!”

- Y Members: Deb, Maria, Karen, Jan, Andrea, Mary, Ann, Kathy and Sarah

MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT

My name is Aja and I am so grateful to the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Y Haven program and for the Lakewood Family YMCA. I just celebrated my 5th anniversary of being clean of drugs and alcohol. These things had literraly ruined my life. I was 17 years old and started drinking then moved up to crack cocaine. My life had fallen apart at a young age, my kids were taken away and put into foster care and I weighed 90 pounds and was living on the street. My own sister wouldn’t even let me live with her. Finally, I was so tired and said ‘This is not me! I am tired of living like this! I was sick and so disgusted with myself and I was missing my kids terribly!’ Fortunately, I was welcomed into the Hitchcock Center for Women for three months and then Laura’s Home Women’s Shelter. It was there that someone suggested I enroll in

the YMCA’s Y Haven transitional housing. It was here that I got connected with the YMCA Green Tream Job Training for housekeeping. This enabled me to get the job with the Lakewood Family YMCA in April 2012 and I have been here ever since. I am a single mom and through the grace of God have been reunited with my children.

I really appreciate the YMCA members! The days when I am feeling down they come out of nowhere and provide words of encouragement and support.

YMCA Staff Person – Aja P

MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT

My son and I began participating in the YMCA Togetherhood program last year when it first began. My son was then 15 years old and our first project was to help with yard cleanup for an elderly resident of Lakewood. We pulled weeds, planted flowers and provided general clean up. We met other members of the Lakewood YMCA who became friends and my son learned some very valuable skills which helped him to create a yard work business. The best thing about Togetherhood is being able to lend a hand to someone in need, to network and meet other members of the YMCA, the Lakewood community and help to keep our city beautiful. This year I have introduced my other sons 12 and 9 to our Togetherhood team and they are learning the same skills as my older son and the value of volunteering and what commitment and hard work means and the satisfaction of a job well done. I look forward to additional members learning about and joining the Togetherhood program so that we may reach more people in need and strengthen our team and beautify our community utilizing the core values that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Joni C,. YMCA Member

Mission Monday Spotlight

My name is Diane. I am adopting my 4 year old granddaughter Alyssa. During the winter I was very pressed on finding activities for Alyssa to do. We live in a small apartment. She is an only child, and we both needed to get out once in a while. We went to the Library all the time and needed something else to do that was affordable. So I looked into the Lakewood YMCA, when I walked in the door and approached the counter I had the pleasure of meeting Eric. He was very nice and helpful, as I was about to leave I explained that the membership was way too expensive for us to join, and we talked, I explained to him how hard Christmas was going to be and that I did not even have a

tree. Eric told me about the membership assistance program, he gave me a list of items I would need to qualify, and the contact info. I thanked him. Two days later I came back into hand in my application and Eric and his wife had given us a tree for Christmas. My application was accepted and a membership was offered to us with a discounted affordable price. Thanks to the generous people who donate to the YMCA Program Alyssa and I get enjoy the programs offered through the YMCA, she loves to swim and really likes the social connection in child care. I am 64 years old and I really enjoy the sauna and hot tub for relaxing after all raising a four year old on a limited income can be very stressful. We are blessed. Thank You. Diane B

Mission Monday Spotlight

This past Saturday, eleven Lakewood YMCA members volunteered as part of our YMCA

Togetherhood program in partnership with LakewoodAlive to help a Lakewood resident clean

up and landscape her yard. The team spent three hours and made a great improvement! The

homeowner was so appreciative.

Thanks to members Walt McKenna, Anson and Mariah Hall, Colin Persons, Joni Cabell and her

three boys, Erik Whetstone, Katrice Williams and her daughter for all your hard work!

BEFORE AFTER

MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT

I had reached the point of morbid obesity. With a family history of

Type II diabetes and heart disease, it was only a matter of time

before my health would be affected. In 2000, I reluctantly joined a

Weight Watchers at Work group. I walked on a treadmill for 20

minutes a day and the weight started coming off. Those 20 minutes

seemed like an eternity when I started!

In 2004, I joined the Lakewood YMCA because they offered step

aerobics classes, something I enjoyed doing in years prior. I came to

class regularly and began doing other classes. Because I was

overweight, the classes were very challenging. But group exercise

instructors Deborah Drossis, Ann Marie Wiersch, and Cindy Peck

always encouraged me and made me feel like I belonged. They

never made me feel out of place or

unwelcome because I wasn’t a certain size or

fitness level. I still attend their classes and they

all continue to challenge me, week after week.

I continued to lose weight and increase my

fitness level. Becoming healthier changed my

life so much that in 2009, I became certified to

teach classes myself. I obtained a primary

group exercise certification and later obtained certifications for step aerobics,

kick boxing, and indoor cycling.

I still struggle with eating – especially in social situations. But now if I get off track, I know how to reel it

in, because exercise and a healthy lifestyle are my priority. The friendships I have made as a member

and now as an instructor inspire me to remain healthy, so I can continue on this fitness journey.

What I like most about the Y is that their Mission stresses inclusivity –

everyone is welcome, regardless of size, age, or fitness level - you don’t

need to look like a model or a body builder to fit in. I also love that the

Lakewood Y’s membership is truly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity,

religion, and sexual orientation – all are welcome. When I teach, I try to

fulfill the Mission so that members feel a connection to the Y. Being a

part of the Lakewood Y was truly a life-changing decision for me and one I

am certainly glad to have made.

Mary F, Group Ex Instructor

MISSION MONDAY SPOTLIGHT

Farooq and Mark have been friends for more than

10 years through a common interest. Recently, both

have faced some incredible adversity in terms of

their health and both share serious spinal disease

issues. In addition, Mark had a stroke and some

issues around his thyroid and liver and Farooq in

January of this past year had a collapsed lung.

Through their adversity their friendship has grown

as they have supported each other with visits to the

hospital and phone calls checking on each other.

When Farooq began working his way back he was using a walker, taking him 10 minutes to just

walk outside and get into Mark’s van. The water exercise proved life changing for Farooq as he

battled and gradually improved. He was excited and shared this improvement with Mark who

joined him in the water at the Lakewood YMCA. Both were able to participate in the program

because of the YMCA scholarship program which helped each bridge the gap in the midst of all

of their medical bills. Most common bond share similar spine disease.

Now you can see them regularly working out in the pool as they both encourage each other.

Their friendship also transcends beyond typical stereotypes as one is a Muslim and one

Christian.

“In life I have learned a lot but there is one thing I truly stand by is that people don’t just

change, they just become better versions of themselves and that is just how we have got to live

life”. Farooq S

“There is a power in positivity that anything can happen and when you find something that

works, work hard at it. If you work hard at it you’ll get to your destination.” - Mark M

Lakewood Family YMCA added 3 new photos.

Published by Gary Rick · 9 hrs ·

Mission Monday Spotlight

I have been a Y member for over 10 years and I’ve been an instructor at the Y for most of that time. I joined the Y about a year after my twins were born. I would finagle that double stroller through the doors and get some time on the elliptical trainer, on the treadmill or in a class. It was such a great break for me as a new mom and it helped ease the symptoms of post-partum depression. As my children grew, I needed that mental break even more! I am a caregiver for my Autistic son. I have to be there for him, many times physically. I knew I had to care for myself so that I could be a better caregiver, mother, wife and friend.

In April of 2014 I re-joined Weight Watchers. I’ve had success on Weight Watchers, thanks to the continued support of my family, friends and my “Y family”. I am now only 13 pounds from my goal, having now lost over 40 pounds. The YMCA has given me the help I need to reach my goals and I also get to work here! Through child watch and the programming for my kids, I can take a break or teach my class and not worry that my kids are taken care of and having fun. The Y has been more than accommodating regarding my son’s disability. The staff embrace and live the Mission every day. I try to live that same Mission every time I teach a class and carry it with me when I clock out. I enjoy our members so much and have made some lasting friendships through the Y. The staff and members have seen my children grow and I’ve been able to share with them our journey with Autism. -Ingrid N, YMCA Staff member