HASTINGS YMCA IMPACT STORIES
Enjoy this collection of stories that have been shared with our staff at the Hastings Family YMCA
Updated 11/26/25
Preschool
We have a youth member who has some behavioral issues and cannot attend school because of them. They have been coming to the Y for years, and I’ve seen a remarkable change in their behavior and confidence. When they first came to us, they could hardly swim but loved the water. They took private swim lessons to gain skills and continued swimming whenever they had the chance. They can now swim very well and rarely have behavioral issues. They have also developed strong connections with our staff, including both lifeguards and others. I truly believe that without the pool to help them regulate and burn off energy, they wouldn’t be as far along as they are today.
Health & Wellness
Kathe and her husband are members of the YMCA. They would come to the Y a couple of days a week to lift weights, ride bikes, and shoot hoops.
Kathe was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2023. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation over the following two years. In 2024, Kathe was considered cancer-free. To celebrate her remission, she and her husband booked a trip to Italy for the fall of 2025.
Kathe’s nurse at Morrison Cancer Center told her about the YMCA’s Livestrong program. She hoped that by the end of the 12-week session, her walking mile time would be faster and that she would have the strength needed to enjoy her trip to Italy.
Kathe finished our first session of Livestrong in May. We had noticed a slight decrease in her stamina and felt like something wasn’t right. Kathe went to her doctor, had a few biopsy’s but everything turned out ok. She stopped coming to the YMCA with her husband over the summer. I chatted with him and his daughter to see how Kathe was doing. They said that she seemed lethargic and not as active as before. We started our second session of Livestrong in September, and we invited Kathe back. We were so excited that she accepted.
Kathe was able to participate for 6 weeks before her trip to Italy. She had a larger group to work with this time, and she even came back from her trip and jumped right back into the program. She said she felt like all of the work she had put in from our Livestrong program helped her walk the streets in Italy, but she was still surprised at how much walking she really had to do. We ended this most recent session of Livestrong last week, and Kathe promised to get a membership this time because she wanted to build on all the work she has put in this year.
Sports
Recently, a member stopped by my office to thank me for the opportunities the YMCA has provided her. She shared that she has been walking two miles every day, has given up drinking soda, and has lost 30 pounds over the past few months. She couldn’t be happier to say that the Y has changed her life. It was incredibly refreshing to hear this from someone who had been struggling with their weight and exercise habits, and to see how the YMCA has helped her make lasting changes.
Youth Soccer League
As spring soccer approaches, many parents are signing their kids up for the leagues! Last fall was the first time one of our young members played soccer, and his first game was a little rough. He didn’t want to go out on the field; he was a little scared and timid. He didn’t end up playing most of the game. His parents encouraged him to go out on the field, and through help from the volunteer coach on their team, he slowly started to feel more comfortable. When the second game came around the following week, his parents didn’t know if he would actually play. But once the game started, he was running around on the field having fun with his teammates!
He is now signed up for spring soccer this season, along with his younger sister! The family is excited for the season to start and for their kids to get out and have fun!
Together with the parents, volunteer coaches are a vital part of the soccer experience for kids! Trying something new can be scary, but having a role model who is encouraging and makes the kids feel comfortable while having fun is important! We’re so thankful for the parents who volunteer their time to help their kids' teams!
CPR & First Aid Training
A large business in town has partnered with the YMCA to provide CPR and first aid training for all of its employees. With over 100 employees needing training, this required multiple training days, as we cannot accommodate such large groups at once due to the hands-on practice required with manikins.
When speaking with the training liaison, he expressed how pleased he was to find a local organization that could provide this training. During one of the classes, an employee mentioned that he was grateful for the instruction because their workplace can be high-risk, and he felt more confident knowing he was properly trained in case something went wrong. The company conducts this training annually, and he noted that he learns something new each time.
The training liaison also shared that many employees have said the YMCA offers the best CPR class they’ve ever taken. Community CPR classes like these are an incredible addition to Hastings, and we hope to continue growing partnerships to help even more people gain lifesaving skills.
LIVESTRONG Program
We have two participants in our Livestrong program. Both women had the same type of breast cancer—one completed treatment 10 years ago, and the other finished treatment six months ago. They have bonded over their shared experience, and it’s been wonderful to watch them exchange helpful tips.
Now in week five of the program, it has been amazing to see their progress and their willingness to push themselves. Kathe started walking at 2.6 mph for 15 minutes during the first week, and she now walks for 12 minutes at 2.9 mph with a 3.5 incline. Irma began her farmer’s carry with 10 lbs and has progressed to 15 lbs.
It’s been inspiring to see their consistency and dedication, including attending sessions outside of class time. We have been able to help them increase both strength and cardiovascular fitness while sharing stories and learning from each other. We are excited to see the progress these women make over the remaining seven weeks of the program.
YMCA Sports
I recently had a conversation with a parent who is a regular participant in our sports programs. I asked what the YMCA means to their family, and this is what they shared:
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the YMCA for allowing my family to be part of their community. My children enjoy participating in all of the sports and activities, which keeps them engaged and healthy. As a coach for volleyball and soccer, I love that my players have the chance to participate in Christian-based programs where they can learn positive core values. It also gives children the opportunity to meet other kids who share similar interests and morals."
Youth Sports Leagues
Our last youth soccer season set another registration record, with 750 children playing on 112 teams. The Hastings College soccer teams will handle the majority of the officiating.
A spectator captured a photo during one of the games, which we shared on our Facebook page over the weekend. Here are a couple of the comments we received:
"The referee was so encouraging and did a great job explaining the rules while giving helpful suggestions. More than once, he was on his knee at the kids’ level, talking to them!"
"This referee was amazing! He was positive, encouraging, and helpful to all our girls. It was great!"
Senior Member Impact
After enjoying a free walking track membership, a couple recently signed up for a senior couple membership at the YMCA. The wife shared that she has been regularly attending our Senior Fit exercise classes and has loved them! The classes have helped her stay motivated, and the instructors do an excellent job ensuring that everyone can participate, regardless of fitness level.
She also shared, “The free classes that the YMCA offers are such a great perk, and I’ve really enjoyed the social aspect of getting to know other people in class and while grabbing coffee in the lobby.”
Adult Private Swim Lessons
Earlier this year, three adults, ranging in age from their 50s to 70s, joined one of our private swim lesson programs—each with a unique reason for “diving in.” One participant wanted to learn swimming for fitness purposes; although already active, he knew swimming would help him build strength and endurance. Another participant reminded herself that it’s never too late to learn and has been exploring all kinds of new activities. The third participant faced anxiety around the water but decided he needed to overcome it and learn to swim.
All three have been steadily building confidence and improving with each lesson. Their stories are powerful reminders that swimming isn’t just a skill—it can be a life-changing experience. It’s never too late to start.
Childcare
One school-age child with a history of challenging behaviors—including cursing, yelling, defiance, and throwing objects—has shown significant progress in our program. With consistent support from School Age Coordinator Kaitlin Anderson, the child has developed stronger self-regulation skills and can now recognize when he needs a break before escalating.
Kaitlin has established a safe and trusting relationship that allows him to seek her out when he feels overwhelmed. Her office has become a reliable, calming space where he feels secure and understood. This progress highlights the importance of trauma-informed care, consistent support, and positive adult connections in helping children manage their behaviors and feel safe in out-of-school settings.
Youth Volleyball Clinic
We partner with the Hastings College volleyball team to run our annual youth clinic. During the clinic, the college players lead drills and spend meaningful, face-to-face time with participants.
A parent shared her thoughts about her child’s experience:
"Participating in the volleyball clinic has given my daughter positive role models in the Hastings College volleyball players. She has started to really enjoy not only volleyball, but also her schoolwork and interactions with others. She can’t wait for the upcoming volleyball season!"
Senior Fitness
One of our members recently shared that she started attending Senior Fit classes. Not only has she been motivated to stay active thanks to the class and instructors, but she also reconnected with an old friend she hadn’t seen in many years. They now meet regularly at the Y.
She shared how much she has been enjoying the YMCA in all aspects—socially, through physical exercise opportunities, and even using the indoor walking options when it’s too hot or cold outside.
Water Fitness
Last week, a woman began attending Aquatabata. During her first class, she had to stop frequently to catch her breath. During the abdominal portion, I offered her modifications, and a few participants helped guide her in the water. She returned for classes on Wednesday and Friday.
I spoke with her briefly before class, and she shared that she was feeling more confident. She had undergone two knee replacements but was determined to become more active. It was inspiring to see the progress she made in just three classes—she took significantly fewer breaks and was fully engaged in each movement. A few other participants even commented on how much harder she was working. I hope she continues attending and becomes a regular participant.
Youth Swim Lessons
We enrolled our 4-year-old in swim lessons, and at first, she was timid and hesitant to join the group or get in the water.
Maria, who wasn’t even teaching lessons that night, came up to her and talked to her. She sat with her at the edge of the pool, helping her feel comfortable and eventually talking her into getting in! From then on, every week started with the question, “Will Maria be there?”
By the end of the session, she was jumping in the pool and went underwater several times. Moments like this remind me how incredible the Y staff are and how lucky our community is to have them.
FOREVERWELL - Senior Involvement
Gordon Blake has been a member of the YMCA for many years. He regularly participates in Foreverwell classes and recently joined our second session of Livestrong.
In 1997, Gordon was diagnosed with cancer following a routine physical. He did not undergo chemotherapy or radiation, but his surgery kept him out of work for several months. He decided to retire in 1999 after losing two colleagues to cancer around the same time.
Now 91 years old, Gordon continues to attend morning classes and joins Livestrong in the afternoon. When he enrolled, he joked that he didn’t expect to be around this long after his cancer diagnosis. Despite this, he is thrilled to still be active—working out and walking his dog in his free time. He consistently shares how grateful he is for the program, especially because it allows him to participate alongside his wife, who was diagnosed with cancer three years ago.
Youth Sports
Youth sports are starting up soon, and I recently spoke with a mother who wanted to register her daughter but was facing financial hardship due to ongoing medical expenses and time off work to care for her family. Thanks to our income-based discounts, we were able to provide the support she needed, allowing her children to participate in our programs without adding extra financial strain.
Moments like this truly highlight what the YMCA is all about: strengthening our community and making our programs accessible to everyone.
Member Anniversary with the YMCA
Don (93) and Donna Nelson (90) recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They have been YMCA members for roughly 10 years and shared how much the Y has helped them both physically and mentally. Don even pulled out his phone to show me their wedding pictures.
As we talked, several other members stopped by to congratulate them. It was a heartwarming experience filled with excitement and joy. Moments like this highlight how members come to the YMCA to better themselves, and it’s inspiring to see the positive impact the Y has on our community.
Summer Program
This summer, our “Homegrown” program gave children opportunities to learn, explore, and grow in ways they may never have experienced otherwise. Thanks to grant support, youth participated in unique field trips—to a flower farm, a dairy farm, Lincoln, and the water park, to name a few—broadening their horizons beyond the walls of our center.
At the same time, hands-on projects brought learning to life every day. Children hatched chicks, tended both indoor and outdoor gardens, and explored how to create candles, soaps, and bath bombs. They even learned the art of making sourdough, gaining real-world skills that connect back to family, food, and community.
Because of this grant, children who might not have had these experiences were able to explore agriculture, science, and creativity in ways that will leave a lasting impression. We hope this summer provided them with memories, confidence, and skills that will continue to grow long after the season ended.
Celebrating our Instructors
Judy Hohlen recently celebrated 41 years as a YMCA employee. It has been amazing to watch her Tuesday and Thursday morning Deep Water class continue through the pool’s construction and now in the fully opened facility. She consistently leads 10–12 participants in each class.
On Thursdays, her class often brings breakfast, and they sit together out front to enjoy coffee and socialize. It’s wonderful to see a group of people exercise together while also creating fellowship and enjoying each other’s company.
Thank you, Judy, for all you have done and continue to do for the YMCA.
Hoops League
In the Hoops League last fall, one of the 5th-grade girls’ teams had very little experience before the season began. To create two divisions, I needed one team to move up to the more competitive division. Little did I know how inexperienced they were—the team went 0-6 in the first three weeks, losing each game by a wide margin.
The coach told me that the kids were feeling utterly dejected and even considered quitting because it was so demoralizing. Before last week, I swapped this team with one from the lower division to create more balanced competition. The team went on to win their final two games.
The coach emailed me afterward, saying it was a huge confidence boost, helped the team grow, and reignited their excitement for playing basketball. It was wonderful to see the team experience success!
Group Exercise Classes
A new member recently began attending a variety of group exercise classes throughout the week. She shared how much she enjoys the classes and the variety the YMCA offers. She especially appreciates instructors Rachel Propp and Terry Julian, noting that she loves Terry’s use of Christian music during her classes.
She plans to continue trying new classes and also start using the walking track, taking full advantage of everything the Y has to offer.
Getting Fit in the Pool
I just met a gentleman in mid-February who was lap swimming. Making conversation I asked if he had a good workout. He said he felt he was out of shape but was happy with what he did that day. I asked him if he was tracking how far he swam, then he then told me that he only swam 400 yards because he hasn’t swam in over a year and wanted to get back into it. He was hoping to get in shape to do triathlons again. He did one in summer of 2023 and enjoyed it. I told him that we actually do challenges like the Winter Warrior Challenge (an ironman triathlon broken up over a month) and the 100 mile swim club where swimming laps is a part or the focus of the challenge. He said that those would be great options for him since most of what he has done was open water swimming for triathlons and that always made him nervous so he loved the idea of having challenges that the swimming portions were indoors!
Wellness Attendants
Tyler Call is one of our Wellness Attendants. Each wellness attendant completes an online course from InBody to become certified to interpret results. Tyler has been working early morning shifts while also meeting a few members for their monthly InBody scans at 5 a.m.
One member had been getting frustrated because he wasn’t seeing changes in his results. Tyler asked about the steps the member was taking to lose weight and reach his goals. He realized the member was consuming fewer calories than his Basal Metabolic Rate and suggested he start there, possibly increasing his calorie intake. The member consulted a few other people and then returned to the Y to share with Caleb that he was impressed with Tyler’s knowledge. He confirmed that Tyler’s suggestions helped him finally start seeing the results he was looking for.
Child Abuse Prevention
Every April the YMCA takes part in Child Abuse Prevention Month, and participate in the “5 Days of Action” campaign. Through this initiative, we raise awareness about child sexual abuse prevention and share resources on how to recognize, respond to, and prevent abuse. We also highlight how our staff are trained to protect children in our facilities and programs.
Recently, a member reached out to thank us for sharing the campaign and for addressing this important topic. They expressed appreciation for the YMCA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of children in our community.
Lifeguards
With many pools still facing significant challenges in hiring qualified lifeguards, our facility has become an invaluable training hub for the community. What sets us apart is not just the volume of participants, but the diversity—our certification classes attract individuals from ages 15 to their 60s, proving that lifeguarding is not just for high school or college students. We’ve also become a regional resource, regularly welcoming people who travel several hours for training because options closer to home are limited. This broad reach and community impact make our pool a vital asset in addressing the lifeguard shortage.
Aquatics
Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to have access to the resources around us—until we lose them, even briefly. After our two-week maintenance closure, I heard from many members about how much they missed the pool and the routines they had built around it.
One member shared that she had tried other options, but they just weren’t the same, and she had been eager to get back in the water.
Their excitement to return was a powerful reminder of how important our Aquatics Center is to the community, not just for fitness, but for physical and mental well-being. I’m incredibly grateful for our members who value and support our Y.
Opportunities for our Community
I ran into someone in the community who began talking to me about the Y and how he grew up in Hastings always attending it. He shared that he spent much of his childhood at the Y in the old building, and now his kids, nieces, and nephews attend the new Y and love participating in programs.
He said the Y has provided many sporting opportunities that his children probably wouldn’t have tried if it weren’t for the Y. Volleyball and soccer have been their favorites, serving as building blocks for his children to learn the skills of each sport from a young age.
Sports Performance
Personal and Sports Performance Trainer, Caleb Hahne has been training Wyatt for almost three years. Wyatt will be a junior at Lawrence-Nelson this fall. Caleb has worked with Wyatt consistently on speed, agility, and building muscle mass. He comes in three times a week, and we’ve all seen significant growth—including a reduction in his 40-yard dash time.
This past fall, Wyatt was invited to visit an Iowa football game, and this June, he attended multiple football camps. Last week, he received his first Power 4 offer from Northwestern as a Tight End. It’s been inspiring to see their hard work pay off, and we believe this is just the beginning for both of them.
Husker Volleyball Camp
We had an incredible turnout for our Husker Volleyball Camp on 7/25/2025, with 299 girls joining us for a fun, high-energy day. Husker alumni Jordan Larson, Kelly Hunter, Lauren Stivrins, and Kenzie Maloney led the camp—sharing tips, running drills, and inspiring the next generation of players. The gym was full of excitement, and the girls left not only more skilled at volleyball but also motivated and full of team spirit. The Husker alumni did a fantastic job!
Camp Eigenberg took place July 28–31, and all the kids had a blast—even with the rainy day on Wednesday! One parent shared that the highlight for her child was fishing and catching a "lobster" at the lake—how fun! We also had a great turnout of volunteers this year, which we are extremely grateful for. Without them, camp wouldn’t have been possible, and each group had the best time getting to know their group leaders over the four days at camp.
Sports Sampler Camp
We recently hosted our summer Sports Sampler Camp, where kids get to try up to 10 different sports during the week! While stopping by to take pictures at the camp, I ran into a dad who was volunteering. He shared how excited his daughter was to be part of the camp—playing some of her favorite sports and trying out new ones. While volunteering, he also learned a lot about his child’s favorite sports and how to better help her practice at home. This camp not only boosted the children’s skills and exposed them to new sports but also engaged parents, helping them bond and spend quality time with their kids through athletics.
Free Swim Lessons
We just began our final session of free swim lessons for the year. These lessons are always challenging (in the best way), as many kids have never had lessons—or even spent much time around water. Thanks to a grant, children can gain these vital skills. Our two main goals are teaching kids to jump in, push off the bottom, and return to the wall (a critical survival skill) and learning to float on their backs. This helps them perform a swim–float–swim sequence: swim as far as they can, float to catch their breath, and continue swimming. Many children are scared to go underwater during the first lessons, so it’s always inspiring to see their progress during the final lesson evaluations.
Fitness Journey
A member started coming to the YMCA about a year ago after a work trip where he couldn’t fit into the seat for the NASCAR experience in Vegas. He set a goal to return and lose enough weight to participate.
He made progress but hit a plateau. Earlier this year, Tyler Call, one of our wellness attendants, helped him with an Inbody scan and offered guidance. Tyler even consulted Caleb to provide additional advice. Though the member was initially skeptical, he tried their suggestions, came in for early-morning workouts, and consistently tracked his progress with Inbody scans. As a result, he reached his first major goal—losing over 100 pounds—and successfully returned to Vegas to participate in the NASCAR experience!
The YMCA’s Impact
Fred, an 84-year-old member, comes in most afternoons and often stops to chat at the front desk before and after his workouts. He has shared multiple times that he doesn’t think he would be as active or engaged without the YMCA. After losing his wife, Fred says the Y has helped him both mentally and physically. He loves coming in because he feels cared for and supported here. Stories like Fred’s are a powerful reminder of why I love my job—it’s incredibly rewarding when members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and the YMCA’s impact on their lives.
© 2025 Hastings YMCA