Y Stories
We are always seeking member stories that help us show how the Y makes a positive impact on individuals and families in our community.
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Megan
Meg is 33 years old and has been a family Y member since childhood. Her father has been part of the YMCA community for over 60 years. She enjoys exploring new activities and having fun at the Y, where the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming. “It helps me stay healthy and strong.” Meg participates in Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Core Intensity, and swimming. Recently, she began Kickboxing and Self Defense classes. “My balance, strength, and coordination have greatly improved, and everyone is so supportive.” She wholeheartedly recommends the Y to all her friends.
A safe haven for homeless men in Broome County
Home: that’s what the YMCA of Broome County has become for Michael Cuff.
The definition of the word ‘home’ is described as “one's place of residence,” according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, but for many people including Cuff, it’s much more than that. It’s also a place where we feel comfortable, loved, and protected.
Cuff admits that he didn’t choose the Y, but that the Department of Social Services offered him the option. It was May 19th, 2023 when he said he found his comfortable, loving, and protective “safe haven.”
“The Y has given me a purpose,” he said. “The people are helpful, treat you fairly and are respectful. I feel safe here.”
At any given time, the Binghamton Y houses up to 90 men at a time who are struggling with homelessness, or other life challenges. At the Y they have access to Case Management, on site laundry facilities, and a computer lab which they can use to rebuild their lives.
“I would definitely recommend the Y,” Cuff said. “If you follow the few rules, you’ll have a home.”
Cuff said he’s still learning to live on his own and hopes to stay in the YMCA Supportive Housing Program for the foreseeable future.
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To learn how you can help the residents of the YMCA Supportive Housing Program, please contact the Housing Team:
Josephine and Sherry
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Two Friends Who Sweat It Out Together: The Power of Gym Bonding
In a world where fitness has become a way of life for many, there’s a special kind of motivation that comes from having a workout partner. For Josephine and Sherry, going to the gym together and taking fitness classes has become not just a way to stay in shape, but an important part of their bond. Over the past few months, they found that they not only enjoyed working out individually but also thrived when they worked out together.
“Finding classes we enjoy at the Y has allowed us to continue to be active and stay fit,” Sherry explained.
Josephine and Sherry’s story shows that working out together isn’t just about achieving fitness goals—it’s about building a bond that strengthens not only physical health but mental well-being too. For anyone looking to get into fitness or take their routines to the next level, finding a workout buddy can be the key to staying consistent, motivated, and inspired.
“We look forward to participating in classes and leave feeling [like we’re] a part of a community,” Sherry added.
The best part? You don’t have to be a professional athlete or an expert in fitness to enjoy the benefits of gym bonding. Like Josephine and Sherry, anyone can start their fitness journey with a friend, support each other, and enjoy the rewarding experience of growth—both inside and out.
Mohamed Kamara
Mohamed Kamara first found his way to the Y through Code Blue - a program where the YMCA of Broome County provides safe nightly stays for those facing chronic homelessness and are unable to receive help from any other source. Kamara said he utilized Code Blue for one week before becoming an official resident at the Binghamton Y. He said his experience at the Y has tremendously changed his live.
"The YMCA took me in and gave me the living necessities that I needed," Kamara said.
During the time spent at the Binghamton Y, Kamara explained it's given him the space to realize what he wanted to do with his life. He now recommends the Men's Supportive Housing program at the Y to anyone, "because if it could help me...then it could help anybody."
Austin Steber
Austin Steber has been a part of the Y since the day he was born. His family first joined the YMCA in 1999. It was the community he built with his family that kept him coming back.
The now 18-year-old is carrying on the legacy as a Team Member.
“I grew up doing different programs through the Y, so I wanted to come back and give the members the experience I had,” Steber said.
Through employment with the Y, Steber has become a certified lifeguard. He’s also been able to teach swim lessons and aqua fitness classes.
Harlan Forrest
Harlan Forrest first joined the Y in September 2013 as part of class #9 of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. It was his wife, Laurie, who found the program listed in a newspaper AD. He’s been a member of the YMCA ever since.
He said working out in the Wellness Center and taking group exercise classes have not only helped improve his physical strength, stamina, flexibility, and balance, but it’s also been great for his mind.
“My social interactions with the Y’s staff and other members, has been a great boost to my mental health,” he said.
Harlan explained he’s also been able to lose some weight, “and all [of] my bloodwork is in much better control.” He now has positive visits to the doctor’s office when needed.
“The Y has been my fountain of youth,” he said.
Naquan McIver & Johnathan Swift
Naquan and Johnathan are both residents of the YMCA of Broome County. The Y has not only given them a safe place to live, but they both have been able to take advantage of employment opportunities with the Y as well.
Johnathan began living at the YMCA in October 2022 when he moved from Syracuse to Broome County.
“I feel like I’m part of something bigger,” Johnathan said. “Any time I meet someone, and they are in need, the first place I speak of is the YMCA.”
Naquan has been living at the YMCA since March 2023. He explained that being at the Y has also given him an outlet to volunteer and help others as well.
“I love this program and the help they provide,” Naquan said.
Rita Kress
Rita has been a member of the YMCA of Broome County for five years now. What brings Rita to the Y is the opportunity to play Pickleball.
“As we age, I knew my goal was to stay active. The Y is a perfect place to maintain that goal,” Rita said.
In addition to Pickleball, it’s the friends she’s made along the way that keeps her coming back.
“[I] have a wonderful Y family of friends,” Rita said.
Cindy Robinson
Cindy has been a member of the YMCA of Broome County for the last seven years. She initially joined the Y for its family-oriented atmosphere and Wellness Instructors. Since joining, exercising in the Wellness Center and participating in group exercise classes has given her more confidence in herself.
“I have become a much stronger person and have learned some special techniques to make my workouts easier,” she said.
Bernie O'Neil
Bernie participated the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program in 2020 and joined the Y after the program concluded. He said spending time at the Y has helped him appreciate fitness.
“[I] enjoy many of the group exercise opportunities and the variety of people in classes,” he said.
Working out at the Y helped Bernie to address the fatigue he had following his radiation treatment for prostate cancer.
“There is something for everyone, no matter your age,” he said.