Kathi Kucharski
Member, Volunteer Board Member
The YMCA’s leadership prioritizes serving people of all ages, abilities and economic means, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Why is the YMCA important to the Detroit community?
The Boll YMCA creates so many opportunities for Detroiters to enhance their physical, emotional, and family wellness; to learn and grow; and to be part of a community. As a nonprofit, its leadership prioritizes serving people of all ages, abilities, and economic means, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and that family memberships and activities are accessible.
How has the YMCA impacted your life personally?
The YMCA has been a part of my life for a long time. By the time the Boll YMCA opened, I was a dedicated gym-goer thrilled to have a high-quality, convenient facility right by work. It was a place for me to stay fit, control my stress and try new things like spin and pilates. When health issues limited my workouts to swimming, thankfully the Y had a lap pool so I could continue to be active. Beyond physical fitness, one of the Y’s front desk workers has become one of my closest friends.
What’s your favorite memory from your time at the YMCA?
My favorite moment is when I volunteered at summer camp to help at a craft session for the five-year-old kids.
In one sentence, what does the YMCA mean to you?
The YMCA is a true community pillar that creates recreation and wellness opportunities that serve and strengthen countless Detroiters and their families every year.
If you had to describe the YMCA community in three words, what would they be?
Welcoming. Supportive. Impactful