Many Y's a Bright Spot for Families During Winter Storms

Trevor Williams

Mar 16, 2018

Mission Moment

The past few weeks of New England Winter has brought out the very best in our community. Three massive nor’ Easter storms brought lots of water and snow to our region.  Homes were flooded, trees were devastated, and power was out for many people in our community.

Luckily, our Y only lost power for a few minutes and was able to continue to operate with only one day of closure. Many of the region’s Y’s were also lucky; staying open most of the time.  I say we were lucky because we could continue to serve the people of our community.  Now you might think I am referring to the programs and services we offer every day.  That is true.  We did continue to offer those wonderful programs which make a Y so special.  Story after story came in from across New England of the Y playing a role in helping the community they serve through these horrible storms.  The Y became a safe place to go regardless of membership to warm up, charge a device or get a hot shower.

One story I will share from our Y involved Bill and Judy.  They are a senior couple who raised kids here in Newton.  Their kids are grown with families of their own now and Bill and Judy are no longer active members of our Y.  After not having electricity in their home for two days, they were cold and tired.  They needed assistance and where do you think they came?  Back to their Y, where they knew they could ask for help.

Bill and Judy showed up early one morning around 8am after a second long and cold night.  They explained what they were facing, and we welcomed them in.  They took hot showers, charged their phones and just sat holding a hot cup of coffee which I retrieved for them from the staff room.  They were safe and warm again, right back in their old familiar place; the Y.

They had not been in for a few years and I took them on a slow walk around to show them the many changes we have completed in their absence.  I say slow because I knew we had time to kill.  No rush to get these two going, they had nowhere to go.  They welcomed my long tour and must have thanked every staff person they encountered for the hospitality they were shown.  They left hours later smiling. 

This is just one story of the positive impact Y’s have had the past few weeks in the face of such devastating weather.  The Y is always going to be there for their community.  Everyone is going to be welcome and we will treat others as we would want to be treated.