Find Your Purpose

While the world was in isolation during the height of the pandemic, John found connection and purpose through his volunteer work at the Y and his church, while actively working his treatment program. He also took the initiative to volunteer two hours every day in the gym in the Reading Y, which was closed to the public during lockdown, which allowed other residents to have a safe place to exercise, unwind, and connect with other people. 

Upon graduating from the Treatment Court program, he continued living at the Reading YMCA among the community of peers he had grown to know and love. His contributions and positive attitude made an impression on the staff too. The Y staff offered him a job to continue his work in the gym and assist at the front desk of the Welcome Center. 

John kept thriving with friendships, volunteerism, ministry, and fulfilling his sense of purpose in his Y community.  “He always looks for ways to make things better and takes the initiative – whether that’s taking the time to mentor or listen to other residents or planting gardens and window boxes to beautify outside areas.”  

In 2021, the tight-knit Y community was more important than ever when John found his friend, who had passed away from natural causes, during an SRO wellness check. Friends and staff were there to support him, but over time John struggled. He experienced a brief relapse, but this time was different. Not only did he recognize old behavior patterns he started to slip into, but he also had a genuine caring community of friends and co-workers at the Y to support him. Initially, when he sought help for relapsing, John considered programming at a different Y location because he felt ashamed and afraid of letting staff and his community down. That’s when his Y family of staff reminded him that he belonged here, and he had their love, unwavering support, and encouragement. So, he stayed at the Reading Y where he called home.