Judy is a volunteer at our YMCA and has been with the Y for close to three decades—as a member, as a parent, and as a volunteer instructor. She believes in the power of community and loves what she does. We are grateful that she is part of the Y family.
This is Judy’s story.
The best part about the YMCA? Acceptance.
Hi there, my name is Judy and this is my Y story.
Back in 1993, I was raising my two children and trying to make ends meet as a single mother. My mother gifted me a family membership to the Ys in St. Catharines, and we have been members since. That gift translated into a brief assisted membership and then into full membership as I got my feet under me.
I loved the community there—I made friends that I have to this day! In fact, I even met my husband at the YMCA 28 years ago… We were both looking for fitness and community. There I was, seeking friends, and I found my best friend!
It quickly became apparent that my youngest was not a usual child and the first few months at the Y were painful for everyone. He was uncooperative and he didn’t like anyone. It was hard for me to enjoy any programming either, as I invariably had to go and attend to him.
The childcare givers recognized my son was high functioning autistic—later diagnosed as Asperger’s, which was not very well-known back then. The care givers then made plans to help me. We figured out who he trusted, and I adjusted my attendance so that we could make it work. … And it did! I was extremely grateful. The Y accommodated my situation to the best of their ability; they didn’t have to do so, but it made my Y experience possible.
Fast forward a few years, spin classes started and I loved them… I attended every class I could. My son was older then and didn’t need as much care. There was this one time when, at the last-minute due staff vacation/illness or instructors leaving, I was asked to help lead a class that was full. I thought why not? I was there, I knew what to do… and so I stepped in.
After that I was ‘grandfathered’ in or should I say ‘grandmothered’ in!
For me it was a win-win—I automatically have a bike and I get to listen to my favourite music… And more importantly, I was finally able to pay it back to the organization that helped me with my child. I help teach to this day to give back to the community and the people I have met over the years at the Y.
I have always loved the community that the Y offers. It doesn’t matter to me where, they are ALL welcoming, fun places. The Y got me through hard times and easy times. For instance, during COVID-19, the online community and the new friends I met have led me to return to teaching at Grimsby. I was so worried that my style wouldn’t fit in, but the people were so open and welcoming, and accepting of this crazy, tattooed rock-metal spin instructor! That’s the best part that has never changed about the YMCA—acceptance.
I love what I do at the Y, and I am glad to help however I can. I take teaching seriously but try to make it fun. Also, I realize that everyone returning to the Y is anxious in some manner and I believe I can help with that.
My community will accept you no matter what, and I can help to get people started and find friends old and new to be with—what could be better than that?