MI Y is Autism

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Niles-Buchanan YMCA (2019)

905 North Front Street, Niles, MI 49120

Phone: 269-683-1552

The YMCA was established in Niles-Buchanan in 1944. Their modern 55,000 square foot facility was dedicated in 2006 and over the next year will have a significant expansion to their space. The Niles-Buchanan YMCA is part of two locations in the YMCA of Southwest Michigan, that includes Benton Harbor-St. Joseph as well. Over the next year they will merge with the YMCA of Michiana, who has a facility in South Bend, Indiana, to form a group of 3 YMCA's across two states (For more information on this exciting merger see The South Bend Tribune, August 7, 2019).

Jonathan and I visited the Niles-Buchanan YMCA (#5 of 49) on August 3, 2019. We were able to hand out gifts courtesy of Jack's Place for Autism Foundation and encourage children to register to win a stuffed Augie dog. We are taking "Augie" with us to every YMCA in Michigan. We were hosted by Tanner Solloway from the YMCA of Southwest Michigan. We were delighted to meet Kristin Schwerba of LOGAN Autism Services, who had a table in the lobby of the YMCA at the same time. Jonathan also enjoyed the warm water therapy pool here which is one of his favorites in the state.

Tanner Solloway, staff of the YMCA, was our host at the visit.

Augie enjoying the unique chairs shaped like the State of Michigan in the lobby of Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

Special Needs Programs: The Niles-Buchanan YMCA operates 3 programs for special needs individuals, including those with autism. They include:

Just for You Swim Lessons
Just for You Dance
Just for You Night Out

Social Media: You can follow the Niles-Buchanan YMCA at the following social media pages.

If you live in or around the Niles-Buchanan area one of the best bargains would be to become members of the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. Contact this website for financial assistance information.

Alan and Jonathan Stokes are members of the Oak Park YMCA at the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing. They are partnering with Jack's Place for Autism Foundation and the YMCA's in Michigan to visit each YMCA and spread autism awareness across Michigan from 2019-2022.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Shiawassee Family YMCA

515 W. Main St. Owosso, MI 48867

Phone: 989-725-1581

The Shiawassee Family YMCA was started in Owosso, Michigan in 1947. They have served their community since 1955 at their present location at the Southwest corner of the intersection between M-52 and M-21. Over the years many members of the community have given sacrificially to assure a legacy at the YMCA. We were hosted on our visit by Laura Burroughs, the Executive Director of the Shiawassee Family YMCA.

Laura Burroughs, Executive Director of Shiawassee Family YMCA welcomes Augie to town.

The entrance to the Shiawassee Family YMCA near the intersection of M-21 and M-52.

Jonathan and I visited the Shiawassee Family YMCA (#4 of 49) on July 27, 2019. We were able to hand out gifts courtesy of Jack's Place for Autism Foundation and encourage children to register to win a stuffed Augie dog. We are taking "Augie" with us to every YMCA in Michigan.

Augie leaning on the plaque recognizing the 1948 gift of land by
Elmer and Mary Osborn in memory of their five sons who died in chidhood.

The Shiawassee Family YMCA has many innovative programs in it's 27,000 square feet of space, including soccer, basketball, and group exercise. Swimming classes are held at the Memorial Healthcare Woodard Station.

The treadmills overlook a beautiful part of Owosso.

Camps: The Summer camping program is held at the 181 acre Camp Shiawassee in Bancroft, Michigan. Individuals with disabilities are welcome to attend programs with their peers.

Social Media: You can follow the Shiawassee Family YMCA at the following social media pages.

If you live in or around the Owosso area one of the best bargains would be to become members of the Shiawassee Family YMCA. Contact the membership service desk for financial assistance information.

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Livonia Family YMCA

14255 Stark Road, Livonia, MI 48154

Phone: 734-261-2161

The Livonia Family YMCA was built in 1968 and over the years has had major updates to it's cardio fitness area and the indoor tennis courts. The Livonia YMCA is conveniently located in a recreational area of Livonia at 14255 Stark Road near the John Stymelski Veteran's Park and the Eddie Edgar Ice Arena. Livonia Family YMCA is one of 10 branches in the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.

Jonathan and I visited the Livonia Family YMCA (#3 of 49) on June 22, 2019. We were able to hand out gifts courtesy of Jack's Place for Autism Foundation and encourage children to register to win a stuffed Augie dog. We are taking "Augie" with us to every YMCA in Michigan.

Here is a photo of Augie with our hosts the Executive Director of the Livonia Family YMCA Brian Wolverton and Tricia Hamzik, Regional Director of Wellness and Chronic Disease Prevention for the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.

Augie at the original gym and fitness studio at the Livonia Family YMCA.

The Livonia Family YMCA has many innovative programs in it's 100,000 square feet of space, including vibrant day camps and senior programs, swimming, tennis and gymnastics.

Camps: The Livonia Family YMCA can serve up to 250 campers a day through it's programs in both Livonia and Westland, Michigan. More information about their camps is available on the Livonia YMCA's website..

Senior Programs: Senior citizens enjoy exciting opportunities at the Livonia Family YMCA through a variety of age appropriate classes labeled as "Silver Sneakers".

Swimming: The swimming programs at the Livonia YMCA offer open swimming in lanes or a shallow end as well as classes. There are two innovative programs related to their aquatics that help special needs populations. They have a G.E.M.S. program for Group Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis and C.A.R.E.S. swim lessons tailored to those with special needs. More information on their swimming programs is available on the Livonia YMCA swimming page.

This mural is on the wall in a viewing area looking into the pool.

Tennis: The indoor tennis facility at the Livonia Family YMCA was upgraded a few years ago with improved lighting and is a growing program. More information about their tennis programs is available on the Livonia YMCA's tennis page.

Gymnastics: The gymnastics center at the Livonia YMCA is the home of the Livonia Flames. Programs offer opportunity for development of skills in a safe and encouraging environment. The Livonia Flames has their own Facebook page where one can follow them.

Another exciting resource available on site at the Livonia Family YMCA is that the Detroit Medical Center has an office of their Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan just a few feet from their cardio work out area. The partnership is a win-win for the community and YMCA members.

Social Media: You can follow the Livonia Family YMCA at the following social media pages.

If you live in or around the Livonia area one of the best bargains would be to become members the Livonia Family YMCA. Financial assistance information is available on the website of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Battle Creek YMCA

182 Capital Ave. NE Battle Creek, MI 49017

Phone: 269-963-9622

The Battle Creek Family YMCA was dedicated in 1973 with the resources of a 2.7 million dollar capital campaign led by Mr. James McQuiston. The YMCA was founded in Battle Creek in 1889, extending its reach to 3 centuries of history. The current Y Center is conveniently located in Downtown Battle Creek at 182 Capital Ave. NE. and has 6,800 active community members and thousands of others who interact with various programs. The Calhoun Visitors Bureau lists it as one of the city attractions and signage in front of the Y has a similar style to other downtown spots of interest.

Jonathan and I visited the Battle Creek Family YMCA (#2 of 49) on May 18, 2019. In between our experience at the YMCA we sat at a table next to our tour sign, handing out gifts courtesy of Jack's Place for Autism Foundation and reminded people to register to win a stuffed Augie dog. We talked at length with one woman in particular who was accompanied by two girls and an infant. She used the conversation to teach her children about autism by asking what Jonathan's life is like and she also reminded her girls that they have a relative on the autism spectrum.

Although the building is over 45 years old, it has been cared for nicely and they were even in the process of updating lighting while we visited. There is a wonderful sense of history in this Y as plaques remain telling the story of influential leaders of another era and one of the unique areas is a hallway overlooking the pool that has hundreds of Signature Tiles remembering community supporters.

There are two pools at the Battle Creek Family YMCA. One is a 25 yard lap pool that is kept at about 82 degrees and another is a therapy pool that is kept at about 90 degrees. Jonathan and I spent an hour in the therapy pool. It's the ideal depth and temperature for someone with autism to enjoy and not get cold or overheated.

Another favorite area of the Battle Creek Family YMCA for Jonathan was what is called their Y in the Sky. It is at the highest part of their building, where they have a track and some fun equipment for youth such as scooters and a hula hoop. I can see where this would be the perfect place for youth programs.

I was touched by the presence and warmth of their small chapel maintained in the building that serves as a testament that the Y can help with physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development.

The Battle Creek Family YMCA has many programs that are featured on their website, including hosting longstanding groups and events like:

Battle Creek YMCA Masters Swim Team (since 1987)
Goguac Lake Swim and triathlons (July 13, 2019 this year)
Battle Creek Family Literacy Program
Cereal City 5K/10K (June 8, 2019 this year)
McCracken basketball Day Camp at Battle Creek YMCA
Lemon Tree Preschool

We are taking "Augie" with us to every YMCA in Michigan. Below on the top is a photo of Augie with our host Zane next to the Battle Creek Family YMCA mission statement and below that is a photo of Augie on one of the many stair walls found in the facility.

Social Media: You can follow the Battle Creek Family YMCA at the following social media pages.

If you live in or around the Greater Battle Creek area one of the best bargains would be to become members the Battle Creek Family YMCA. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify based on income through what they call their Open Doors Scholarship. Because of the YMCA's reciprocity program, your membership at one YMCA is good at any YMCA in the United States. The reciprocity program is what inspired Jonathan and I to begin our very first tour of YMCA's around the State of Michigan in November 2017.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Oak Park YMCA

900 Long Blvd Lansing, MI 48911
Phone: 517-827-9700

The YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing acquired the existing building that is known as Oak Park YMCA in 1982. For the past 37 years it has been changing lives on the Southside of Lansing. And it's been changing Jonathan and my life since we first joined it in 2007, when Jonathan was just 2 years old. Conveniently located near a key business area of south Lansing and the southern Ingham County communities of Holt and Mason, Oak Park YMCA can be accessed from Cedar street just off Exit 104 on I-96 in Lansing.

A variety of programs are offered in their approximately 70,000 square feet of facilities, that were refurbished over the past decade to include family locker rooms and a new fitness center area. Some programs that define Oak Park YMCA would be their Child Care Center and the Oak Park triathlon team. The swimming pool is appreciated by serious swimmers for its long lap lanes and children can utilize designated shallow areas to enjoy the water. It is not uncommon to have intergenerational conversations taking place at this YMCA as they have strong contingencies of both senior citizens and families with young children who are active members of this YMCA.

Jonathan and I kicked off our second YMCA tour at Oak Park YMCA (#1 of 49) on April 13, 2019. Autism families in the community were treated to activities in the gym and pool from 1:00-3:00pm.

Cooper Scott Spaulding of Cold Box Films was on site to record a Facebook Live conversation with Jeff Scheibel, CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing, and I. In the video I share some ways in which the YMCA has helped our family and can help other families with children with special needs. You can hear the recording below.

Staff from Jack's Place for Autism Foundation came all the way from Southfield, Michigan to be with us and host a table offering first responder resources and they donated a stuffed dog named "Augie" for a drawing to be won by one lucky youngster.

We are taking "Augie" with us to every YMCA in Michigan. On the right is a photo of Augie on one of the indoor exercise bicycles located in the balcony above the racquetball courts at Oak Park YMCA.

If you are close to the Southside of Lansing one of the best bargains would be to become members of Oak Park YMCA. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify based on income. On another day I will write a separate post on the value of a YMCA Membership, but one perk is that because of the YMCA's reciprocity program, your membership at one YMCA is good at any YMCA in the United States. The reciprocity program is what inspired Jonathan and I to begin our very first tour of YMCA's around the State of Michigan in November 2017.

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Niles-Buchanan YMCA

We visited the Niles-Buchanan YMCA on July 21, 2018. It's building was built in 2006 and words I would use to describe it would be "exceeded expectations" and "YMCA architectural wonder". And I don't say that lightly after having visited 35 other YMCA's in Michigan in the past 9 months. The 55,000 square foot facility is conveniently located just outside of the downtown area of Niles, Michigan in a beautiful property overlooking the St. Joseph River in Berrien County.

From the moment one enters the lobby area there is a sense that the YMCA is an important part of the history and future of the community. The lobby invokes the nostalgia of a gaslight village with various paintings on the walls depicting significant pieces of community history. There is plenty of space for people to gather and carry on conversations before or after their exercise regime.

Being at this YMCA was nostalgic for me personally as one set of my Great-Grandparents with the surnames Ebersol and Shook lived and died in Berrien County, Michigan a little over 100 years ago.

Jonathan loved every part of our visit from the just right temperature of the warm therapy pool to the solid track that overlooks the exercise equipment. Everything was clean from the locker room to the immaculate landscaping outside of the building by the parking lot. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in the pools and exercise area, and it had precisely the right amount of activity without feeling at all overcrowded.

It was a rainy day in Michigan when we were able to visit the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. And it was a relief to learn that the building was built with proper grounding that enables them to keep their pools open in the midst of rainstorms outside. I don't fully understand how that works but it really adds a lot to the aquatics program to not be at the mercy of the weather in conducting inside water activities.

In March 2017 the Niles-Buchanan YMCA formally joined their work with the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor YMCA to bring the two branches together under YMCA of Southwest Michigan organization. The morning of our visit the organization had the 2018 Race for YMCA 5K/10K in St. Joseph, which involved both branches.

The Niles-Buchanan YMCA has so much going for it that it is hard to imagine it's programs are going to be getting even better soon, but that is exactly what is in the works. It was heartening to learn that they have a capital campaign going on to ultimately add 30,000 more square feet to their building, which will add a second gymnasium, a youth center, a teen center, and offices (Niles-Buchanan YMCA Sets Expansion Efforts, Debrah Haight, HP, September 9, 2017). The improvements will be constructed in three stages with each phase costing about $2 million dollars and adding 10,000 square feet. More information on their capital campaign is on their website.

The community of Niles-Buchanan can be proud of their YMCA. This YMCA stands out as a vital part of their community through not just the sheer awesomeness of their physical structure, but more importantly in the vision and heart and soul of their programs.

Jonathan and Alan Stokes are on a mission to visit every YMCA in Michigan and are showing that the YMCA is FOR ALL, especially those with autism.

Map Credit: By Arkyan [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Farmington Family YMCA

We visited the Farmington Family YMCA on April 7, 2018. It is a beautiful location just a short drive from an I-696 exit in Oakland County. Farmington Hills is the second largest city in Oakland County. The Farmington Family YMCA has served their community for over 50 years with this 52,000 square feet facility.

Jonathan enjoyed his traditional autism walk through the facility. I smiled when I observed this sign in a prominent place to encourage us that, "God Loves You make it a great day!". One of the phrases Jonathan has in his limited grasp of language is "God Loves You".

The highlight of the day was swimming. They have two pools and we spent time in the one called the Robertson Pool, which is maintained at a warm 88 degrees. I know that Jonathan enjoyed the pool because we left to go use the hot tub and I took him into the locker room thinking our swimming was finished, but he didn't want to leave and asked if he could go back to the pool. That is a very good testimony about how much he enjoyed it coming from a teenager with ADHD and autism.

I was able to have a very memorable conversation at this YMCA with a family who has an adult with autism who is in his 20's. He's about 15 years further down life's road than Jonathan. I shared with this autism mother about our travels around Michigan to all the YMCA's and pointed out some of the stops we had already made. One of the most encouraging thing to me was when she asked her son if he would want to do travels like this and in my presence with his glee vowed to also visit every YMCA in Michigan. I told her she had a head start because 20% (10 branches) of all the locations in Michigan could be found right in her backyard in the Detroit Area system.

I don't know if this family will actually end up completing a similar journey, but the reality is even if they only ever utilize their home YMCA in Farmington Hills, they are already on a familiar road. All of us autism families share a bond that can not be broken by where we call home. We come from various races, faiths, and socio-economic backgrounds, and none of us asked to also be in the autism family. But we are some of the strongest families there are who will climb any mountain for our children as long as we can, because we know they may likely never be able to leave the nest. My money is on this mother following through and in her families own way and time visiting every YMCA in Michigan.

This was our first venture to one of the ten branches in the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and the visit set the tone for a very positive experience at our recurring travels to the Detroit Area. The time of the year we made this trip had all the hope and expectation that Spring is about to come alive in Michigan.

Jonathan and Alan Stokes are on a mission to visit every YMCA in Michigan and are showing that the YMCA is FOR ALL, especially those with autism.

Map Credit: By Arkyan [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons