Happy September and almost October. Hard to believe that we have reached the fall already this year.
Much like working out, blogging is a routine. Sometimes you are in the routine and sometimes you fall off the wagon. I have fallen off the wagon regarding our blog for the last year as we have had a number of things going on around the organization. I feel this one is important and I feel a need to blog, much like that one workout you do when you think, “I’m back on this horse….”
Last Saturday, we recognized our staff team during our annual staff recognition event. We closed our facilities early for the day so that we could have our entire staff there and we thank our members for understanding. We recognized our staff’s milestone years of service (our longest serving people recognized were celebrating 35 years), promotions, and other recognitions that the organization has received due to the hard work of our dedicated staff. Overall, it was a fun night.
Our staff are important to bring the mission of the organization to life. As I reminded them that evening, it doesn’t matter whether you are a custodial staff person, an early learning teacher, lifeguard, or fitness leader, they all bring the mission around the Y.
Think about it. When you show up at the Y, who greets you? Who checks in on you? Who says, “Great Job!” or “You’ve got this! Who keeps you safe? Who feeds you if you receive food through our partnership with Meals on Wheels or our Hunger Heroes Summer Food Program? That’s right, staff.
When we talk about the spirit, mind, and body triangle part of our mission statement, you can imagine the sides of the triangle being staff. Each piece is a staff person lifting the member, child, or participant up and holding them steady as life is happening around them. It is honorable work and sometimes we forget how key these people are.
I’ve been blessed to be part of this organization for over 40 years, starting in a hands-on role to bring the mission alive. Today, I lead those who do. I can tell you that without them, our impact on our community wouldn’t even approach a scale to measure. Instead, your Y is strong and impactful every single day.
Thank you to the staff that we recognized this weekend and thank you to our teams of people, nearly 1,000 strong over five communities, for all that you do to hold people up and bring our mission to life.
See you at the Y!
Steve Smith, President and CEO
Posted on: September 28, 2026