Your Y's mission is to connect people, build relationships, support each other, navigate a path to health and wellness, and
combat the serious issues affecting our community.
For decades, we've been on the forefront of good health, building community, and keeping loneliness, depression, social exclusion and isolation at bay.
Particularly for our older adults, who tend to be most at risk.
How? We welcome the community into our facility with smiling faces and inquiries about individuals' well-being. We lead fitness classes with a friendly and warm spirit. We invite families to participate in activities that help them grow stronger and allow them to have fun together.
We are a place where people hug
, offer high-fives and give sweaty handshakes. Our fitness class-goers meet outside of your Y for potlucks and celebrations. We take group selfies!
Social distancing protocols have taken away how we connect.
We have, in fact, closed our doors to follow the recommended COVID-19 social distancing protocols.
But your Y is also in the business of reacting and evolving when our community's needs change. We've done that for the past 132 years. 2020 is no different.
Right now, Y staff has begun calling our older adult members.
We're checking in, listening to worries, asking about their needs and taking notes so we can follow up.
We understand that our older adult population is at a higher risk for COVID-19, depression and social isolation.
Your Y is committed to supporting them now, more than ever, in light of the recommendations that they stay away from public spaces.
What we have already heard from these members brings tears to our eyes.
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They are so grateful for the simple act of a telephone call. Y member Lynn didn't request any help--- she offered to help us make phone calls to other members! Y member Barbara has been going for walks outside, but she "can't wait to get back to her Y." Her Y is one of the main reasons she moved to Eugene and she loves it.
Y member Nancy misses her yoga classes, but specifically her kind and helpful instructors.
And another Y member is feeling down because the Y is closed and it is his only real social connection.
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While communication with our older adults is a top priority, all of our members are in our minds. We are reaching out to families and our group fitness class-goers. We are keeping everyone updated through daily e-mails and social media posts.
We are here for you.
Even if it seems otherwise while our doors are closed.
Feel free to call our main number Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 541.686.9622 to connect with a Y staff member. If you are an individual or family in need of specific support, please call or e-mail. We are working to understand the needs of our community and how the Y can help.
You are in our hearts and our minds.
When it is safe to do so, we will invite you for a social gathering at your Y. We look forward to seeing your smiling faces and feeling the warmth in your hugs. Because that time will come!
