The Rye Y Community

Gregg Howells, Executive Director


I was recently asked to submit a quote answering the question “what is community?” for an exhibit at the Rye Arts Center.   It wasn’t easy even though I experience community every day—here at the Y, at Rotary Club luncheons, at my son’s cross country meets—I was hard-pressed to define it. 

Then, I found just the right quote from organizational consultant Peter Block, who said “We are in community each time we find a place where we belong.”

In early November, Y staff members spent two days interviewing members, volunteers and each other as part of the first Voices from our Community: The Rye Y Story Project. We were touched by the stories we heard--stories of hope, determination and gratitude for the community so many have found here.  One person stated “I consider the Rye YMCA to be a second home.” Another commented “When I found the Rye YMCA, it was like a homecoming.” 

Re-charging and using WiFi during Hurricane Sandy

This sense of community was never more evident than in the days following Hurricane Sandy. With no power or heat, members and local residents flocked to the Y where they found warmth, hot showers, activities for kids, Wi-Fi and a place to re-charge (in all senses of the word).  Our building could have been chaotic, filled with stressed and worried adults and bored children. Instead, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie, friendship and relief (and just a little chaos!)  As one local mom wrote afterward “The Y has been a life saver for our family. Our apartment is cold and there is really nowhere to go because we cannot drive and risk running out of gas.  My boys are able to stay warm, shower and be active.  I really do not know what we would do without the Y.” 


If it sounds like I’m bragging, well… perhaps just a little.  I’m proud that every member of our staff—from the swim instructors to member services, child care to maintenance—works hard to create a welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors.  You could say that’s just good business sense.  But it’s so much more than that.  Giving people a place where they feel they belong is part of our mission. 

From the health-seekers to the athletes, young and old, we welcome you all.  This is your community.