community

After I lost my husband, everything changed. I thought we should visit family, but the kids said, “No, no, please, we need to go to the YMCA. The Y has helped Sami improve in athletics and academics, and it’s where Yasmine has made her best friends. And I don’t have to worry about their safety.

From English language classes to cultural integration and citizenship preparation courses, the Ys New Americans Welcome Centers offer help immigrants reach their goals and integrate into American society.

The Bronx YMCA marched in the Bronx Week Parade to celebrate the two brand new Y branches that are opening in 2020.

I used to be the shy, quiet girl. The Y helped me break out of my comfort zone and give me the confidence that I could be whatever I want. As a human being, you have to feel like you belong somewhere. I belong at the YMCA.

Over 100 Y teens gathered in the Chambers of City Hall to debate key community issues at the 14th Annual Teens Take the City event.

The Y is perfect for my family. We all find different activities — swimming, weights, yoga — then meet up afterwards. What I love most about the Y is how it brings people together. New York City can be so rushed and noisy and anonymous. Not the Y. In the locker room, I have conversations with people I never would otherwise. With our country so divided, we need places like that.

At the YMCA, we see the strong bonds that are developed through our classes and programs. And this is the great promise of our work — to be the center of community where strong connections and friendships can flourish.

My family has been coming to the Y for 20 years. I started organizing pickleball games a few years ago. The game is challenging, but not intimidating. Young and old, men and women. Everyone plays together. The gym is electric. This community really cares about each other. We’ve found our second family at the Y.

I’ve been at the Y for 60 years. It’s more than a gym, it’s my church. I’m here three days a week at 5am. A lot has changed over the years, but I’ve always found people I can connect with.