Your Y Makes Connections Possible During Time of Distance and Isolation
“It’s vital that the Y work to address the loneliness and social isolation of our members,” says CEO Brian Steffen. “The ongoing mental health crisis stemming from COVID-19 will only be solved when we find innovative ways for people to continue to feel part of a community, even while they stay home to prevent the spread of a deadly virus.”
Mental Health America found that 71 percent of people surveyed turned to friends or family in times of stress–something far more difficult when we are isolating. And we know that isolation and loneliness results in higher rates of devastating health issues, including mortality, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease and inflammation, according to the National Institutes of Health.
For its part, the Y hosted a holiday virtual bingo event in December that drew dozens of bingo players. Y staff invited members to socialize over Zoom for the holidays, and other members received phone calls from staff checking in on them.
In January, Y staff took a bright Youth Development bus to deliver Escape 2020 triathlon gear and 100-mile swim gear to participants who completed these challenges–it was a celebration of sorts, and a way to brighten the spirits of those missing their friends from the Y.
That same month, we launched our first 6-week Health Reset Challenge that participants could do on their own but with significant support from Y fitness experts.
The future brings new, innovative ways to stay connected with Y members as our community does its best to halt the spread of COVID-19 and combat the growing mental health crisis.
Feeling part of a community while physically separated from our friends and loved ones can be a big challenge. For Barbara Hascall, being a part of the Y family has made all the difference through a global pandemic.
“In the past, our class would get together and do weekend brunches or potlucks and it was great to spend time with each other outside the context of class,” she says. “I’ve really made some good friends through that class. The instructors even made a phone list of all the people in the class so that we could stay in touch.”
Barbara has been a Y member since 1977, and has been regularly attending the low-impact aerobics class since her retirement from teaching about 7 years ago. Little did she know when she entered the class for the first time, she would make friends to last a lifetime.
“The instructors truly help us form a community in really skillful ways,” she says. “I appreciate how the instructors always greet us by name. As a teacher, I know how important it is to be known and have someone call you by name.”
Barbara and her friends in the low-impact aerobics class have been able to adapt their classes to a virtual format on the Y’s Virtual Hub since the pandemic began. They meet regularly over Zoom outside of the class to connect.
“Y staff share fun stories about their lives and we really get to know each other,” she says. “No matter what you love to do, the Y has a community for you.”
“Connection is why we are here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.” —Brené Brown, author and research professor of Social Work at the University of Houston
