Marietta Franklin
Fitness Instructor
The YMCA creates friendships and community within its members, supporting children to be their best selves.
Why is the YMCA important to the Detroit community?
The YMCA offers opportunity and empowerment for individuals to become physically and mentally strong. It creates friendships and community within his members. The YMCA supports and encourages children to be their best selves.
How has the YMCA impacted your life personally?
In so many ways! I have made many lifelong friends. I have remained healthy despite being a Lupus warrior. I have been at the Boll YMCA since 2007 and have been an aerobic instructor, before and after school fitness teacher, a personal trainer and a volunteer. My son was a lifeguard. My daughter was a childcare worker and my grandson went to the daycare.
What’s your favorite memory from your time at the YMCA?
I have many good memories, but my favorite has to be this past April for my birthday. We went to Chicago for three days. A committee of 10 volunteers met every Wednesday beginning in January before class. We secured hotel reservations, dinner reservations, train transportation and guided tours. We had a ball. We genuinely care about each other and our families.
In one sentence, what does the YMCA mean to you?
A place to be who you are and who you aspire to become.
If you had to describe the YMCA community in three words, what would they be?
Welcoming. Inclusive. Impactful.