Working for a Mission, Living for the Vision

Working for a Mission, Living for the Vision

Blogger: Kathleen Johnson, Membership and Marketing Director

My Y story begins with walking through the doors to sign up for a swim lesson. I knew nothing about the YMCA before then. I was fairly new to T-County and had always used church as my resource and initiation into each community we had been dropped into. My husband worked in retail and the store location in New Philadelphia, Ohio was his newest assignment. I immediately got involved in church and found a job working in an art agency and then teaching fitness classes at a local gym. We started a family a few years later and changes occurred in employment and family life until one day I ended up at the front counter of the Y with two kids beside me hoping to get into a swim lesson. My life changed right then and there.

Like I said earlier, I had never been to a Y. We lived in a rural area growing up and although I was not far from a Y, we were a family that thrived outside. Boating, skiing, playing outdoors in every type of weather – the neighborhood was our playground. Raised in a family of five kids, I had plenty of people to hang out with. Being the baby of the family I had plenty of teachers for every sport and event possible. I was indeed blessed.

 

The Y was a totally new adventure for my little family and we have never looked back.

I did get my little one enrolled in a swim lesson that day, but I was also got handed an application for employment. The Y needed a Fitness Instructor and the girl at the front desk was someone who I knew from church and she knew I had fitness experience. That was 21 years ago. The Y became my family and my heart grew as I learned about non-profit work and how much it can make a difference.

People like Tom Patton, Keith Lands, and Shelly Snyder helped form my future at the Y. They taught me to seek the Spirit of the YMCA Mission first in every role I got into. To really determine the size of the “C” in YMCA for my work and to always make that the important piece gluing it all together.

Through the years I have worked with amazing people and have met members that have inspired me to continue to learn how to strive for growth in the Y.

Yes, the Y changed my path that day. It was definitely a change for the better and it has helped our family thrive with it for many years. I love working for the Y Mission and being part of our vision for the future. It is my goal to be a person who makes a difference in the world and helps others find the right path as well. I hope that my Spirit reflects the big “C” spirit.

Today’s Y has so many great leaders in it. I would encourage everyone to find a way to connect with the Y, or just be inspired to step through the door and let us take it from there.

 

Want more information on how to become a Y employee, volunteer or member?

Let’s get started!

Check out the The Who, What, When, Where, and the Y - Podcast 7 for more details on working for the Y Mission in all areas. https://tuscymca.captivate.fm

If you have questions please give us a call or email us anytime. Here’s how you can: Tuscarawas County YMCA 330-364-5511. kathleen@tuscymca.org or jason@tuscymca.org

Link to Virtual Y https://tuscymca.org/new-virtual-y