Member Spotlight: Becky Okelley

YWCA member Becky Okelley has a lot to say about the importance of the YWCA in her life. Chronic back pain, recent knee surgery, mobility challenges, and depression were some of the health issues that sent her to the pool at the YW. Seclusion and difficulty exercising were taking a toll on Becky, and she knew something had to change. 

“I could barely walk,” says Becky. “The pool made all the difference. I need to be active for my mental, as well as physical, health.” When the pool closed temporarily for renovations and much-needed repairs, Becky wasn’t ready to walk away from the YW community. She decided to try the other fitness class offerings. She became a kind of “super member,” taking as many as 8 classes a week. Classes like Zumba, Stretching for Everyday, 5 X 5 Strength, and Stability and Balance allowed her to explore and try out a variety of modalities and disciplines that she had never considered, and she gained a whole new community of members in the land-based fitness classes. Becky worked out regularly in the fitness center and encouraged members to come to classes.

Then, in late September, Hurricane Helene barrelled through Western North Carolina, bringing the region to a halt. Becky was fortunate; her home was elevated and was not impacted by flooding. However, like most of WNC, she had no power, no water, and limited access to supplies. As soon as she could, she came by the YW to see what was happening because she knew that the YW would be responding somehow. When the YW was able to reopen to members, Becky was one of the first in the door for fitness classes.  “I missed the YW – and my YW girls – A LOT!”

Becky places a high value on connection. It meant a lot to her that staff reached out to her in the aftermath of Helene to make sure she was ok, and she gives back to the YW by encouraging other members on their wellness journey; Becky serves as an example of the power of self-care, exercise, and nurturing herself, her neighborhood and her community.