One of the most enjoyable parts of working at the Naperville YMCA is the opportunity to interact with so many different members of our community every day.
Regardless of where people grew up or what they are doing today, just about everyone has a “Y story.” Each one is a little different (learning to swim; camps and youth sports; after-school programs; serving as volunteers), but at its core, all experiences are reminders of the Y’s place in our community.
The Y understands that our collective success is rooted in our communities and our mission is to bring us together, to make us better as individuals, communities and as a nation.
It often feels like we live in a time that defines us by our differences; but the ties that bind us together—while frayed—are not broken. Our community is quite diverse and many of us have different backgrounds and experiences that help form our worldview.
What we don’t realize (or we sometimes forget) is that understanding different points and experiences helps make us all stronger. “Us” is the national embodiment of what we’ve always done here at the YMCA. Our goal, along with Ys across the United States, is to show our communities the power of “Us.”
In November at the Y, Operation Turkey Drop prepares dinner boxes for dozens of families in need.
The YMCA/Mayor’s Community Breakfast on Dec. 1 brings together more than 400 community members to kick off the holiday season. This event will highlight how in these times supporting each other is more important than ever.
On December 25 the YMCA/Naperville Park District Christmas Luncheon provides a holiday gathering and dinner to more than 200 seniors and families in need. All of these events reinforce the positive we can make when we put aside differences and work together for the greater good.
Regardless of where or how you’re involved, I challenge all members of our community to find something you care about and make it better. If you want to start your own Y story, or continue to grow and evolve your existing Y experience, visit www.napervilleymca.org to find out how you can give back through the Y.
