If we have learned anything at the Butler County Family YMCA over the past year and a half, it is that there is a truly deep affection between us, our staff and members, and the local community that cannot be broken.

Despite the mandated four-month closure of our branches, the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA and the Butler YMCA, we never stopped reaching out to our members and community partners, especially those deemed most vulnerable because, when you work for a nonprofit organization such as the Y, you lead with your heart first, and the business part always is secondary. This workflow is embedded in our culture and part of the beauty of our mission.

Our doors may have closed, but our hearts were wide open, and we continued to strengthen those bonds by staying flexible, compassionately listening and interacting in ways that promoted collaboration and reinforced mutual respect. It wasn’t always perfect, but we always tried — which sounds a lot like a family to me.

Although we can’t say we’re coming out of the pandemic unscathed, we are certainly proud of our dedicated staff who care about moving this community along in a positive trajectory. We are equally humbled by the outpouring of support and love from our members and community as we face the turbulence of uncertain times.

Along with our Y branches, we maintain the historic Armco Park throughout every season. Our park has long been a destination spot for family reunions, weddings, special events, summer camp, company picnics and graduation parties. With so many seeking respite in nature, sustaining the park through updates and improvements to ensure more and more generations can enjoy it is very much a plan for our Y’s future.

As a nonprofit organization, we have worked diligently to meet the increasing needs of our community and so much of our good works are funded through our annual Support Campaign, which empowers us to offer highly discounted and accessible programs and membership to those who need it most.

For more information about our memberships, programs, donations or sponsorships, please reach out to Jill Zoria at jzoria@bcfymca.org.

This advertorial was submitted by Butler County Family YMCA.