A local YMCA has a lot to be thankful for as it celebrates 175 years since the founding of the organization.
The Manitowoc/Two Rivers YMCA held a special birthday celebration and presentation about the organization’s continued success and ability to evolve into what it is today.
CEO Julie Grossman says that after the Young Men’s Christian Association started in England, America’s first branch started in Boston in 1851.
The Manitowoc/Two Rivers location opened in 1963 and has continued to succeed through its volunteers and community.
Attendees and long-time members like Genie Willis talked about why they called joining the Y the best decision they ever made.
Genie Willis
“It isn’t just the physical structure, although this is great,” she explained. “But the plant is only part of it. We have had a great administration for a long time. From the very beginning and through now to Julie. You are doing a great job, Julie. Thank you.”
Cheryl Gerhke, who’s affectionately known as Cheryl from the Y, talked about being with the organization for the last 47 years.
She told one story about working in a senior class.
“A fella walked in front of me, and I waved to him, his name was Neil, and ‘Hi Neil, how you doing?’,” she recalled. “I turned around, and there were 50 senior citizens kneeling on the floor. They heard me say, kneel.”
Grossman tells Seehafernews.com that over 7,800 people have a YMCA membership in Manitowoc County.
She says it’s the volunteers and a supportive community that keep the Manitowoc Two Rivers Y going.
Julie Grossman
“Everyone wants to be around people who makes them feel good and make them feel loved,” she stated. “And when you come and volunteer, anyone who’s done it knows that you get more than what you give. And you don’t know that until you experience it, but when you do and you do that with somebody else, you make that connection and you keep coming back.”
Grossman also highlighted their great financial position and work with the Manitowoc Public School District in 4K.
The local YMCA is also in the early stages of a full facilities and program analysis to see what should be done in the future so they can continue serving communities for another 175 years.
