Jennie: Finding Family at the YMCA
The aroma of home-cooked meals filled the lobby of the Indian River Family YMCA as members gathered for a special potluck, blending the joy of Mardi Gras with the rich culture of Black History Month. For Jennie Weatherly, advisory board vice chair at the Indian River Family YMCA, this gathering was a meaningful celebration highlighting the strong bonds within the Y community, and she wants to make sure everyone gets fed.
“Any excuse for a party,” Jennie said with a smile, urging everyone to grab a plate. Around 30 Y members came together to enjoy the spread, sharing stories and laughter over plates of delicious food. For many, these moments serve as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and get to know one another better. “We’re all about being diverse, and it’s important to come together,” Jennie said.
This isn’t the first time the Indian River Y has hosted an event like this. A similar gathering at Christmastime drew 75 to 100 people, proving that the Y is more than just a gym, it’s a place where people care for one another. “We try to make sure we take care of each other,” Jennie shared. She noted that when a member of their close-knit group recently lost her husband, the community rallied around her, ensuring she felt supported during a difficult time.
Jennie’s journey with the Y began about two years ago when she was looking for something new to do in retirement. After having worked many different jobs, including as a teacher and managing a delivery service, she wanted a place where she could stay active and engaged. “The people kept me coming back,” she said. “We call ourselves family. Everybody needs somebody, and we’ve got the whole package here.”
The spirit of community at the Y extends beyond social gatherings. Jennie says that the Thrive group, which meets every second Tuesday of the month, started as a fellowship group but has evolved into a true support system. Members help each other with everyday needs, from driving to medical appointments to simply being there for one another. There’s even a crochet club where friendships are woven together just as tightly as the stitches in their creations. And, as Jennie pointed out with a laugh, “And we eat too.”
In addition to her volunteer leadership role, Jennie enjoys a variety of activities at the Y, including water aerobics, Mix Effort classes, Zumba, and line dancing. Through these activities, she has not only stayed active but also built meaningful relationships with fellow members.
The YMCA is more than just a place to exercise. It’s a place where friendships flourish, support is abundant, and everyone has a seat at the table. Whether through a potluck, a workout class, or a simple act of kindness, members like Jennie remind us that at the Y, we are truly a family.
