Y Stories

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.

Aries

Aries, a dedicated young basketball player, has earned a spot on the Seton Modified Basketball Team, marking a significant milestone in his athletic journey. He’s played two seasons with the Bulldogs, a local team, and one season with his school, but it was his time with the YMCA that he believes has had the most profound impact on his development. The YMCA, known for its focus on community engagement and skill-building, played a pivotal role in helping Aries learn the nuances of the sport and develop his basketball IQ. Aries’ parents also express their gratitude towards his YMCA coach for providing such a supportive and instructive environment.

Alex

Alex’s Journey to Confidence in the Water at the YMCA

Alex has been a member of the YMCA for three months, and in that time, he’s made impressive strides in building confidence and developing swimming skills. His father, searching for a safe and supportive place for swim lessons, found the Y and decided it was the perfect fit for his son.

Since joining, Alex has learned fundamental skills like floating on his back and performing basic strokes. The YMCA’s approach to swim lessons has provided him with a nurturing environment where he feels safe in and around the water. These early lessons have not only taught Alex essential swimming techniques but also helped him grow in confidence.

His father is so pleased with the results that he highly recommends the YMCA to others. One feature he particularly appreciates is the small class sizes, which ensure that each child receives personalized attention from the instructor, allowing for a more effective and rewarding learning experience.

The Y has truly played a pivotal role in Alex’s journey to becoming a more confident swimmer, and his father is grateful for the positive impact it has had on his son.

Jeanine Bowers

In 2022, Jeanine Bowers joined the YMCA with the goal of restoring her physical health after a foot injury and the toll COVID had taken on her fitness. With eight grandchildren, Jeanine wanted to stay active and be a part of their lives, and the YMCA offered the perfect opportunity for that.

While other fitness centers were cutting back on their programs, the YMCA was expanding, adding new options for members. This caught Jeanine’s attention, especially since she had never previously participated in group exercise classes. But after some consideration, she decided to give them a try, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Through classes like core strengthening, shallow water intervals, and aqua fit, Jeanine has significantly improved her balance, stamina, and mobility. She even started a program focused on fitness center activities and weight management, and has found great success in consistently attending these group sessions. The regular classes have helped her stay focused while making the process enjoyable.

Remarkably, Jeanine has regained more range of motion and balance than what physical therapy alone had accomplished. She is now more active and physically confident than she was before, and she has shared her success with friends. One of her friends started taking Pilates, inspired by Jeanine’s recommendation.

What stands out to Jeanine is the dedication and motivation of the YMCA instructors. Their variety of workouts helps keep things fresh, and the sense of community in the group classes fosters an encouraging atmosphere for all. For Jeanine, the YMCA has been an essential part of her recovery, and she is now thriving with more energy and enthusiasm than ever before.

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

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.