When Stephen joined the YMCA in 2020, it was more than a new fitness routine—it was a new chapter.
Stephen was looking for ways to stay active and social during the isolation of the pandemic. His sister had recently moved to the area and they decided to check out the local Y. They’ve been coming together ever since with his loyal guide dog, Austin, by their side.
Stephen had never been to the gym, sighted or not, and he wasn’t sure if it was something he wanted to do.
“I started doing it and it’s great. I love the socializing and the workouts. I usually come three times a week to do workouts in the gym, walk the track with Austin, or take a class like yoga or meditation. I just love coming the Y.”
The Y’s accessibility has been key for Stephen. “It’s one of the only places in town with an elevator, which helps keep Austin’s training up to date. I can get Austin to find it when we come,” he says. “It’s a bonus that supports both of us.”
But the benefits go beyond the physical. “When I started going blind, I stopped going out with friends because I didn’t want to feel like a burden. So, I stayed home, and I felt like my house was becoming a prison and I was sitting around too much,” Stephen shared. “And that affects your mind, because if you’re a social person, that’s a hard thing not to socialize. Coming to the Y also helped with that.”
Stephen and Austin have become familiar faces at the Y. “It’s like the Cheers Bar,” he jokes. “Everybody knows your name. And they know Austin’s too. On days I come without him, people ask where he is before they say hi to me!”
And it’s not just Stephen who benefits from their visits. “Austin brings people joy, especially folks who’ve lost pets or who are dealing with their own challenges. If he can brighten someone’s day while I’m here, that’s a beautiful thing.”
For Stephen, the YMCA is more than a gym.
“I love the Y. I love coming here and I’m glad it’s here. It’s for the community and this is what it’s all about.”