Category: Personal Y Stories

Finding Support in Special Programs

Posted on by Kate Haslar

Nathan’s mom, Pattie, first learned about the YMCA’s special programs through their IRIS caseworker, Matt Lovell. IRIS—short for Include, Respect, I Self-Direct—is a Wisconsin Medicaid program that empowers adults with disabilities to choose the services and supports that best fit their needs.

At the time, Pattie had been preparing to build a program of her own for Nathan and his graduating classmates—disappointed by the limited opportunities available for young adults with disabilities after age 21. But after discovering what the Y had to offer, she realized she didn’t have to.

Nathan is now part of Service Without Boundaries—a community service-based day program that supports adults with disabilities through learning activities, social development, physical activity, and volunteer work both at the Y and out in the community.

What stood out most to Pattie was the staff. “Every staff member has such a strong desire to support our adults. I love that staff are willing to make modifications to suit Nathan, including incorporating the same strategies we use at home,” she said. “I couldn’t ask for a more personal approach!”

Since joining the program, Nathan has made noticeable improvements in his behavior—especially around eating. For most of his life, he had been a rigid, fussy eater with an extremely limited diet. School staff tried for years to encourage new foods, but the best result was an occasional “micro” bite.

But now, something has shifted. While still just small nibbles, Nathan is trying more new foods—and doing it without any prompting. He even brings his plate to his mom and proudly reports, “I tried it!”

That progress has even been noticed outside the program. Nathan and his family recently started attending a new church, and it’s been a joy to see him willingly try the food offered—something that wouldn’t have been possible before

For Pattie, the Y has been more than a resource—it’s been a life-changing support system their family “It’s everything I could’ve wanted for Nathan… and more!”

“It’s everything I could’ve wanted for Nathan... and more!”

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A Journey of Organ Donation Strengthened by Community

Posted on by Kate Haslar

Longtime YMCA member Christy Russell was lying in bed one night watching the news when she saw a heartwarming story about a young man in need of a kidney transplant. The story touched her in a way she hadn’t felt before, and she felt called by God to help. She reached out to UW Hospital, began the screening process, and committed to the journey of becoming a living donor.

Over the next 6–9 months, Christy attended appointments, completed blood work, and made lifestyle modifications to ensure she was in the best possible health

“The YMCA helped me get in shape before surgery and I was back in group classes just four weeks after,” Christy shares. “The instructors knew what I was going through and kept an eye on me. I even got a handmade card from several people in class—it just shows how much people at the Y care.”

On February 28, 2023, Christy donated her kidney as part of a paired kidney exchange. While she wasn’t a direct match for the young man she originally hoped to help, her donation set off a life-saving chain reaction—her kidney was sent to a recipient in Arizona, and in turn, the young man she saw on the news moved to the top of the list and received his transplant just three months later. In total, Christy’s decision saved two lives.

Now, she’s using her experience to spread awareness about the power of living donation. April is National Donate Life Month, and she wants more people to know that organ donation isn’t just something that happens after passing—it’s something that can change lives today.

Through it all, Christy has found strength in her community at the Y. “Exercise helps your whole body—it’s even good for your organs!” she adds. “The Y has been such an important part of my journey—not just in staying active, but in surrounding myself with supportive, caring people. Donating an organ was an emotional experience, and at times, I felt overwhelmed. But coming back to the Y, seeing familiar faces, and moving my body helped me heal mentally as much as physically. I couldn’t have done this without the Y.”

"Donating an organ was an emotional experience, and at times, I felt overwhelmed. But coming back to the Y, seeing familiar faces, and moving my body helped me heal mentally as much as physically. I couldn’t have done this without the Y.”

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A Knockout Success for Active Older Adults

Posted on by Kate Haslar

When Group Ex Coordinator, Leighann Moll, introduced the Guard Up boxing program to the Y in 2017, it quickly gained popularity, expanding across multiple time slots with additional coaches stepping in to meet demand. In 2024, Leighann and instructor Sarah Sandkuhler saw an opportunity to adapt the program for the Active Older Adults (AOA) community. Inspired by the buzz around The Golden Bachelor, they launched Golden Glove Guard Up, a version of the small-group training program tailored for active older adults.

Among the first participants were Colleen and Mark Sasso, who were eager to take on a new fitness challenge. The smaller class size and full-body workout immediately appealed to them, and they quickly became dedicated participants, encouraging others to give it a try.

Now in their second year of the program, Colleen and Mark say, “We are much stronger- physically, mentally, and socially. Since the class is small, we’ve bonded with our group. We encourage each other, check in, and even meet outside of the Y!”

Golden Glove Guard Up is designed to challenge both body and mind. Participants work on balance, coordination, and cognitive exercises as they punch a heavy bag in sequences that require focus and precision. Mini breaks allow members to regroup, catch their breath, and encourage one another—creating a supportive atmosphere.

For Colleen and Mark, working out together has made the Y feel even more like home. “It’s fun to find an activity we can do as a couple,” Colleen says. “We’ve made some great friends since our retirement, and the Y feels like our community. It’s a great feeling when people know us and say hello. Our workouts help us maintain strength to remain independent. Plus, our group is always there to support one another—we even send cards when someone is going through a tough time.”

With Golden Glove Guard Up now offered twice a week, the program continues to grow, proving that it’s never too late to try something new. For older adults looking to stay active, engaged, and independent, Colleen and Mark are proof that finding the right workout—and the right community—can make all the difference.

"We are much stronger- physically, mentally, and socially. Since the class is small, we’ve bonded with our group. We encourage each other, check in, and even meet outside of the Y!"

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Healthy Habits Pay Off

Posted on by Kate Haslar

When Audrey first joined the Y in December 2023, she was committed to working out—but despite her efforts, she didn’t lose a single pound. Then, during a class with Angie recently, she heard about the Healthy Habits coaching program.

“Angie talked to me about coaching, and I thought, ‘Why not?’” she recalls. Instead of focusing solely on exercise, they shifted their attention to other areas of health, like sleep and stress. The results were immediate—she lost 16 pounds.

Audrey has an autoimmune disease—Sarcoidosis—and was once told she would be on steroids for life. She gained 80 pounds and was miserable. “Eventually, I weaned myself off the steroids, but the weight never really came off. Now I’m finally starting to see progress.”

Her coach, Angie, emphasizes that health is more than just working out. “Exercise is powerful, but true health comes from reflecting on mind, body, and spirit. Knowing WHY and HOW to make changes impacts every aspect of life and that’s the most exciting part of being a coach.”

Having a coach has helped Audrey stay on track and focused on what truly matters. “I exercise regularly now, which is huge—I always used to find an excuse not to,” she admits. “But I feel so much better when I come here.”

One of the biggest changes has been her sleep habits. After years of working night shifts, she never fully adjusted to a healthy sleep schedule. Now, she makes it a priority to go to bed earlier. No phone, no TV—just better habits.

Angie says this kind of progress is what makes the Healthy Habits program unique. “When you’re stressed, not sleeping well, and aren’t seeing results, it’s easy to lose hope. This program offers personalized goals, daily actions, and accountability through daily emails and feedback from your coach. Healthy habits become a priority even on the hard days”

For anyone considering the Healthy Habits program, Audrey’s advice is “Give it a try. The support is wonderful, and the ideas are so helpful. All the instructors are so knowledgeable and encouraging.”

Ready for a change? Join the Healthy Habits Challenge. Register Here

“When you're stressed, not sleeping well, and aren’t seeing results, it’s easy to lose hope. This program offers personalized goals, daily actions, and accountability through daily emails and feedback from your coach."

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Keeping the Streak Going-870+ Days

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

We first featured Cheryl and Jess Schlicht in the fall of 2023, when they were celebrating over 400 consecutive days of exercise since September 2022. Fast forward to now, and their streak has skyrocketed to an impressive 870 days—and they show no signs of stopping! Cheryl reflects, “It feels amazing and empowering to have kept it going this long.”

What keeps them pushing forward? Neither one wants to be the one to break the streak, and their workouts have become part of their daily routine—it’s no longer a question of if they’ll work out, but when. They regularly attend Body Combat and Zumba. They’ve also added WERQ, a hip-hop dance class, to their repertoire. Cheryl says, “It’s so much fun! Your mind works just as hard as your body trying to keep up with the choreography. The hit songs make you feel like you’re ready for the dance floor!”

Maintaining their streak hasn’t been without challenges. They’ve faced illness and a chronic knee injury. They have to get creative on how to squeeze in exercise on holidays. Even on days when the pain bothers her, Cheryl takes it down a notch in class but keeps going. Sometimes they take a brisk walk outside. They even have treadmills and walking pads at home for those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Their dedication has paid off, and they’ve made memorable milestones along the way. Last year, they traveled with a local group to the Dominican Republic to enjoy a “Fit-cation”, where they attended daily Zumba and Aqua Zumba classes in a tropical setting. They also returned to Las Vegas two years after starting their streak, setting a goal to complete 100,000 steps in 7 days—and they achieved it in just 6!

The changes they’ve seen are both physical and mental. Cheryl has lost 66 lbs through consistent exercise and portion control. Combined with a high-protein diet, Jess has lost 78 lbs. Their strength and stamina have improved significantly, and knowing they’ve completed nearly 2.5 years of daily workouts without missing a single day has shown them just how mentally strong they truly are.

“It feels amazing and empowering to have kept it going this long.”

Cheryl and Jess’ Advice for Others:

Start with small goals: Begin with something manageable, like 3 days a week then build up to gradually add more days. Our goals were originally 30 days, then 60 days, then 100 days.  Having that next goal in mind keeps you going!

Make your class a priority: Treat your class like an appointment. Explore different classes until you find the ones you enjoy, and commit to them.

Find an accountability partner: Connect with people at the Y and build friendships. A workout buddy will help keep you coming back. Cheryl’s closest friend is someone she met in water aerobics classes at the Y.

Track your progress: Use an app like Countdown to keep track of your streak and stay motivated.

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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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