Category: Personal Y Stories

Thriving in Special Programs

Posted on by Kate Haslar

Emily Little, a young woman with Down Syndrome, was very active in high school participating in numerous activities. She continued to be involved in the 18-21 program, but once she officially graduated at age 21, she found herself home full-time with nothing to do and no friends from school. Her parents struggled to juggle work and watching her, as Emily couldn’t stay home alone. They heard about the YMCA Special Programs through Zachariah’s Acres and put her name on the waiting list.

Over the next couple of years, Emily struggled with anxiety and some medical issues, becoming increasingly withdrawn and insisting on being only with her parents. In the summer of 2023, they received news that a small YMCA program would start in Watertown. Emily panicked when she heard about it, stressed out, and said, “NO WAY”. With encouragement from her parents and assurance from the Special Programs staff, Emily reluctantly agreed to try it.

Emily now loves attending the program, and her parents are thrilled she is keeping active and has productive activities to keep her busy. “We so appreciate the consistent staff, who have gotten to know Emily and all of her little idiosyncrasies,” her mom Jodi shares. Emily constantly tells her sisters and other family members about how she gets to go swimming, rock climbing, to the zoo, do yoga, and go out to lunch. The small class size allows for personal attention, which has been a significant benefit for Emily.

Jodi is grateful, saying, “The program has allowed my husband and I to continue with our jobs, knowing she is in a great environment”. Recently, Emily joined an extra outing, hiking at Devil’s Lake with the Y program in Oconomowoc. Initially upset and resistant, Emily ended up having a great time, stepping outside her comfort zone with hiking and climbing. The staff shared a delightful picture of Emily with her short legs straddling a fallen tree on the path (pictured right.)
Jodi says “Emily has come out of her shell and we’re seeing her old personality come back. She is showing her funny sense of humor, becoming more independent, and getting active again.” Jodi can’t speak highly enough of the YMCA Special Programs, which have made a tremendous difference in their lives.

“Emily has come out of her shell and we’re seeing her old personality come back. She is showing her funny sense of humor, becoming more independent, and getting active again.”

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Helping Kids Learn and Grow

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

Emily and Dave Murthy are co-parents to girls Veda and Bodhi and joined the YMCA at Pabst Farms in 2018. From the start, the Y became an invaluable part of the Murthy family’s lives.

Veda started at the Y child care center when she was 2 and her younger sister Bodhi started in the infant room. As the girls grew and began school, the Murthys relied on YCare and 4K wrap, programs that offers seamless before and after-school care directly at their school. This program has been a pillar of support for their family. Says Dave, “Mornings are often a whirlwind of getting out the door, and knowing that the YMCA is there to greet their girls with a warm welcome makes the transition smoother.” The staff’s dedication and care have transformed those early mornings into something the whole family looks forward to—a place where Veda and Bodhi can catch up with friends, engage in enriching activities, and start their day with a smile.

As nurse anesthetists, both Dave and Emily face unpredictable work hours. The YMCA has provided them with the support they need to balance their careers and family life. “It’s given us the ability to continue working while also raising our children. It’s helped us maintain our life,” Emily shares. She especially appreciates that Veda is exposed to other age groups through YCare as well as Summer Camp. Veda had been intimidated about interacting with older kids but through the guidance of the Y staff she has grown in confidence.  

Reflecting on their time at the YMCA, Dave notes, “The Y has been more than just a service; it’s been a partner in our journey—a community that has embraced us and helped us flourish. As we gear up for another season of fun and learning, I can’t help but feel grateful for the role the YMCA has played in our lives.” Emily adds, “Because of the Y, our kids have developed into wonderful young girls.”

“The Y has been more than just a service; it’s been a partner in our journey—a community that has embraced us and helped us flourish. As we gear up for another season of fun and learning, I can’t help but feel grateful for the role the YMCA has played in our lives.”

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Flourishing in YCare

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

Melanie and Gabe, parents to Wyatt (7), Jameson (4), and baby Sylvie (8 weeks), know firsthand the challenge of balancing full-time jobs with raising a young family. To help make their schedules work, they turned to the Y Care program, which has provided the flexibility they need to drop off Wyatt and Jameson before school and pick them up later in the afternoon.

For Wyatt, Y Care has been a place to grow and explore. Over the years, he’s become more independent, gained social skills, and discovered creative outlets like arts and crafts. One of his favorite activities? Perler fuse beads—he loved them so much the family even got some to use at home! Melanie shares, “We live in a subdivision, and he has been able to build friendships through Y Care that now extend outside of school and the program.”

This year, Jameson joined the program. Having never attended a structured daycare or program before, he is already benefitting from the structure and social opportunities. He has also expanded his palate and is even trying new foods—something Melanie and Gabe are especially excited to see. “We look forward to seeing his progress over the next year,” Melanie adds.

For Melanie and Gabe, Y Care is a solution that benefits their whole family. “The Y Care program provides balance so we can be fully present for work and our kiddos have an opportunity to socialize, work on homework or reading, and engage in various crafts/activities. It is a win-win for our family.”

They also appreciate how accessible the program is. “Because of the Y, our family can flourish. The programming fits within our budget and allows Gabe and I to maintain our careers while supporting our children so they can engage in additional opportunities outside of the traditional school hours.”

“Because of the Y, our family can flourish. The programming fits within our budget and allows Gabe and I to maintain our careers while supporting our children so they can engage in additional opportunities outside of the traditional school hours.”

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Bonding Beyond the Gym

Posted on by Kate Haslar

Tom Schober has been a member of the Y for 35 years. After surviving a heart attack 19 years ago at age 57, he was determined to prioritize his health. He began early morning workouts but found himself easily bored. To pass the time, he’d bring a book to read while on the treadmill or stationary bike.

Noticing others doing the same, he struck up a conversation, and a book club was born. The group started 12 years ago with five men who didn’t know each other well but quickly bonded over their shared love of reading. Though membership has shifted over the years, the club’s enthusiasm for books remains as strong as ever. Over the years, the group has read more than 125 books, exploring historical fiction, WWII narratives, political histories, and thrillers by authors like Stieg Larsson and John Grisham.

The group meets monthly, often gathering at the Lumber Inn, but in the summer, they enjoy discussing books aboard pontoon boats. One memorable side trip took them to the Leopold Cabin along the Wisconsin River after reading a book about conservationist Aldo Leopold.
“I never would have gotten into a book club if we hadn’t happened to see each other at the Y,” Tom says. The club has become a cornerstone of both his social life and his reading journey. And for anyone interested, he says, “You’re welcome to join us”!

“I never would have gotten into a book club if we hadn’t happened to see each other at the Y,”

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Already Stronger

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

Three years ago, Anthony Chentis injured his shoulder, eventually requiring rotator cuff surgery last year. What was expected to be a month of recovery turned into a longer, challenging journey. When Anthony joined the Y, it became a part of his therapy. At first, he couldn’t move his arm, but being able to exercise in the pool allowed him to feel movement and begin making progress. Now, a year later, he can throw a ball overhand for the first time in years.

This year brought another challenge: a knee replacement. With limited mobility and having to walk with a cane, Anthony appreciates that the Y has lots of equipment for physical therapy and everything he needs for rehab is here. He tries to duplicate the exercises he learned in physical therapy, using things like the recumbent bike, leg press, and walking over hurdles. Though he admits it’s been humbling to relearn basic movements and not be able to lift the weights he once could, he stays committed, coming to the Y every day. He says his victory lap is five rounds up and down the stairs, something that fills him with joy each time he accomplishes it.

Mary Jo, a building supervisor at the Y, observed Anthony on the mezzanine, slowly working his way over the hurdles with a tremendous amount of effort. She shared, “Anthony’s hard work and dedication inspires others to believe that nothing is impossible!”

Recently, Anthony hit a setback when he tweaked his knee. “I was dreading starting over, but I know I’m already stronger. Even with a setback, I’m better than when I started.” When asked what keeps him going, he says, “I want to go do stuff, I want my life back, so I know I have to get up and go do the work.” While it may take another 8–9 months to fully recover, Anthony is grateful “The Y has everything I need to follow through with my rehab. It’s welcoming, clean, and bright—it just makes it easy to be here.”

“I was dreading starting over, but I know I’m already stronger. Even with a setback, I’m better than when I started.”

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Building Strength & Confidence with EGYM

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

Cheryl Buske is a widow, a mom of three grown boys, and a proud grandmother of six. She enjoys volunteering at Blue Butterfly and Red Cross blood drives and sewing with a close friend once a week.

Cheryl’s primary goal is to stay independent and remain in her home for as long as possible. Her doctor encouraged her to incorporate weight training into her routine, but she found doing it at home was boring. However, through EGYM, Cheryl has enjoyed challenging herself, realizing that it “pushed me past what I thought I could do.” As a result, her BioAge—a comprehensive fitness and health indicator that is built into the Y app—significantly decreased and she has lost 32 pounds and counting!

Earlier this year, Cheryl twisted her knee while walking her grand dog. Instead of sitting around, she continued using the EGYM machines, which strengthened her knee and helped her overcome the injury. Within a few days, she was back on the treadmill with no issues. Cheryl realized that staying active helped her recover faster.

Cheryl’s resting heart rate, glucose levels, and blood pressure have all come down into the lower end of normal. She credits the staff encouraging her for all her progress.

Cheryl says, “My biggest fear about coming to the Y was the fear of the unknown.” However, she quickly discovered that other members were focused on their workouts and she met many people her age. Before the Y, she was intimidated to step into a fitness facility. Now she comes eagerly. Cheryl says she has “gained confidence in myself and my ability to become stronger.”

Through EGYM, Cheryl has enjoyed challenging herself, realizing that it “pushed me past what I thought I could do.”

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Lessons for Life: The YMCA’s Guiding Hand

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

At the YMCA, Ms. Nancy is a standout instructor known for her diverse skills, particularly her popular Babysitting Training and Home Alone Workshops. On Saturday mornings, the small classroom at the YMCA is filled with eager teens and tweens, ready to learn the ins and outs of taking care of younger siblings or neighbors.

In these workshops, students learn practical skills like how to entertain young children, change diapers, handle emergencies, and prepare simple snacks. But beyond the basics, they learn the importance of responsibility, confidence, and preparedness. Ms. Nancy creates a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring each student leaves feeling more capable.

When Grace Smith saw that the Home Alone Workshop was being offered, she immediately signed up her daughter, Isla, who couldn’t wait to learn the skills needed to stay home by herself. After the workshop, Isla left feeling confident, and excited and couldn’t wait to put the new things she learned into practice. “It taught me so many things!” Isla said. “Ms. Nancy taught in an amazing way and was super nice!” Grace added, “Nancy was a great instructor, and you could tell she felt passionate about making sure kids knew the necessary skills needed to feel comfortable being home alone.”

The impact goes beyond the classroom. Many students return to share success stories—whether it’s how they successfully babysat for the first time or how they stayed calm during a power outage when they were home alone. At the end of each course, certificates are proudly handed out, with the understanding that it’s not just about teaching skills but also empowering young people to be more prepared, confident, and ready to face challenges ahead.

Is your child ready to babysit or stay home alone?

Sign up for our Babysitting Training or Home Alone workshop.
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Service Without Boundaries Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Posted on by Kate Haslar

When individuals with disabilities age out of school-based programming at 21, families often struggle to find opportunities for them to continue learning and receiving the necessary support. Ten years ago, several families attending the Y’s recreational programs asked if the YMCA at Pabst Farms could provide a day program that would allow their loved ones to grow, learn, and form meaningful relationships while they continued to work and maintain their households. The Y jumped at the chance to serve our participants in this way and, in 2014, Service Without Boundaries (SWB) was born.

Faith O’Leary was one of those families. Her son Kevin has been involved in the Y Special Programs since age 8 and she was overjoyed when the SWB program began just as Kevin aged out of school services. The first day of the program was his birthday. Faith is so thankful to everyone who has been involved in the development and success of the SWB program, “The amount of support our family receives is truly amazing!” Faith appreciates that the program “allows Kevin an opportunity to be involved in HIS community. He has developed friendships with his peers and is always happy and smiling.”

Starting with one day a week and 8 participants, Service Without Boundaries now runs four days a week, serving up to 24 participants a day, and has contributed over 2,000 hours of service across organizations like Oconomowoc Food Pantry, Zachariah’s Acres, Shorehaven Wellness Center, the library and Blue Butterfly Thrift Store.

Missy Kaun, Special Programs Director, reflects “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. We started without even having a dedicated space and now we are expanding to include learning, exercising, and crafting.” Full-time caregiver Karen Drwila adds that the program has not only fostered her daughter Kristen’s independence but also provides her with a much-needed break.

The program’s impact goes beyond the participants. Special Programs Coordinator Katie Becker explains, “At the Y we talk about things that fill our cup and often other staff will visit the day program when they need their cup filled. It brings joy to the whole building.”

Reflecting on the journey, former Special Programs Director Jodi Dabrowski highlights the Y’s commitment to community: “I love how the Y can respond to a need. We listen to the families that we serve and do our best to help in any way that we can.” After 10 years, Service Without Boundaries remains a vital program, offering young adults with disabilities meaningful engagement, friendship, and connection to their community.

“The amount of support our family receives is truly amazing!” Faith appreciates that the program “allows Kevin an opportunity to be involved in HIS community. He has developed friendships with his peers and is always happy and smiling.”

Original participants, Kevin, Skyler, Tyler, and Jenn serving at the Food Pantry in 2014

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A Place for Healing & Support

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

After Darlene Borchardt and her husband, Phillip, retired, they moved to Lake Country and joined the YMCA at Pabst Farms. Every morning, Monday to Friday, Darlene took water classes while her husband worked out upstairs and they formed a great community. In the fall of 2021, Darlene experienced a significant fall that left her in considerable pain. She had to use a walker to get around, relied on a step stool made by her husband to get into their truck, and was
unable to drive. Her doctor recommended hip replacement surgery; however, she needed to lose weight first. Since land exercises were too painful, her physical therapist suggested an exercise routine in the pool so she began using the therapy pool.

Darlene is immensely grateful for the support she received throughout her journey. With her husband’s help, she was able to come to the YMCA and stay mobile. The lifeguards were always ready to assist her in and out of the pool, and fellow Y members often held doors open for her when she used a walker. The staff noticed her weight loss and offered encouraging feedback, boosting her morale. Cindy Grange from Member Services shared, “Darlene has been a true inspiration to many of us working at Member Services. Throughout her health issues, she would come to the Y almost daily, dedicated to making progress and always smiling. Her incredibly positive attitude brightens our day! It’s so good to see her walking without pain!” Even small gestures, like keeping the sidewalks clear of snow and wood chips, made a big difference. Darlene credits the “encouragement and support I received from all of my Y friends and staff which gave me the initiative to stay motivated to keep coming back through this process.”

By January 2024, after following her dietician’s and physical therapist’s recommendations, her BMI was within the required range for surgery. She had hip replacement surgery a few months later. Today, Darlene walks without a walker or cane, drives her car, rides a bike, and shops without needing an electric cart. She hopes to get back to water classes with her friends soon. Reflecting on her journey, Darlene says, “It’s been a long journey, but I have gotten my
independence and my life back.”

“It’s been a long journey, but I have gotten my independence and my life back.”

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Fitness Challenges Fuel Family’s Transformation

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

In 2023, Jennifer and her husband, Josh, decided it was time to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Josh, who had overcome a liver transplant in 2018, joined Jennifer at the Y to kickstart their fitness journey. In April, they set a challenge: 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days. They both met the goal, though Jennifer admits, “I think Josh might have squeezed in one more day than me.” This friendly competition continued off and on even while facing various health hurdles.

This past June Jennifer challenged Josh to 30 days again, to which he challenged her to get up and work out with him in the morning. Though the first 5 a.m. sessions were tough, now Jennifer is the one saying “Let’s go!”. Josh enjoys biking, weightlifting, and the sauna, while Jennifer has become a runner. Along with their son Parker, they completed their first 5K in November and recently completed the Riverfest 5K, with Jennifer setting her sights on a 10K.

Parker has also found his own niche at the Y, enjoying various classes like cooking and Spanish at the Oconomowoc branch. They appreciate being able to utilize both facilities, especially the pool in the winter.

Between changing their eating habits and consistently working out, Josh has accomplished a tremendous weight loss and Jennifer says she has never felt better. Today, Josh is down more than 130 pounds and still going strong. “We love the Y because it’s something we can enjoy as a family,” Jennifer shares. “The community is everything—the regulars, the morning greetings, and being surrounded by others who love working out keeps me going.” 

“The community is everything—the regulars, the morning greetings, and being surrounded by others who love working out keeps me going.” 

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