Our Y Stories

Keeping our branches in good shape is a task that our branch executives and operations staff focus on every day. For example, in the past month, our Lakewood branch got new fitness room flooring, our North Royalton branch’s pool and related equipment were refurbished, and work is starting on the roof of our Geauga branch.

Do you want to lose weight, keep it off, and increase your physical activity? Let’s face it, if change were easy, we’d all do it. You’ve spent years developing habits that you can’t expect to change overnight. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program gives you the skills you need and the support you deserve to make lasting healthy lifestyle changes.

Whether you are looking for a great part-time job or career as a professional lifeguard, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Lifeguard program is the place to begin! You'll learn the skills you need for lifeguarding through classroom activities, group discussions, online e-learning, and hands-on practice.

Active Aging Month encourages seniors to be more active in their health and well-being. At the Y, we sincerely believe your best life does not have to be behind you.   

It is often said that the United States is a nation of newcomers. Typically characterized as individuals born in another country, millions of newcomers (also known as immigrants) have settled in the U.S. over the last several hundred years. Newcomers come to the U.S. for various reasons, including students, permanent residents, temporary workers and refugees.

Gina DeSantis joined the YMCA when she moved to Lakewood almost 20 years ago. She feels that the Y has been a great place to connect with her community. She enjoys meeting new members regularly in Lakewood Y classes. Even during Covid, Gina would participate in Zoom coffee meetings with fellow members to stay engaged.