Relationships Come First
Tara has four children, including toddler twins who have fun in Y-Play.
“My kids are happy to see the workers," she said. "You can just tell that the childcare people love what they’re doing and love my kids, and they know my kids. They know their different personalities and what they need."
When Tara and her kids come into the center, it feels like home.
“I love that at this Y there are all different ages, and the older people love seeing the twins. So we sit and talk,” she said. “It’s more of a community-family feel, and I like that environment more than the get-done-and-go environment. It’s relational.”
The toddlers have, in fact, helped her family develop a meaningful bond with three of the older adult members.
“Now, I have their phone numbers, and at Thanksgiving we were texting saying, “Thankful for you!” she said.
While her kids are in Y-Play, Tara soaks in alone time on the treadmill or elliptical. She’s working her way up to being able to run again—a former passion. But if physical fitness were her only goal, there are plenty of gyms closer to her family’s house. Tara drives out of her way to come to this Y for a purpose.
“I think the reason why we come back to this Y is because priorities have changed, and relationships come first. And I feel like that’s what this Y has provided for me—a place where people slow down, talk to each other, ask each other how they’re doing, and work on their health together. It’s not just a solitary thing,” she said. “It’s just coming to a place where you know you’re noticed.”