“My family and I started at the Grand Street location, the old Y. I grew up at the Y, my children went through the programs and so did my grandchildren. In 2005, I became more steady with my exercise following back surgery. With the back surgery, they told me to swim and from there, I went on to other things. I’ve been here since. I drop my son off to work at 8, then I come straight to the Y. I first go to the Wellness Center for cardio, then I’m in the café until Healthy Bones or Enhance Fitness, and then I come back to the café to socialize a little more. That’s Monday through Friday. This café has been such a blessing. Over the years, we’ve formed a group. We cry together, we share and it’s good to communicate with one another. If you have a problem, you find out you’re not alone. I’m so grateful for what the Y has done for me. My small way of giving back is that once or twice a month, I make soup and bring it in for everyone. It’s like a family here. The Y has built up my confidence in so many things and in so many ways.”