Last year we were inspired by Nick Miller, a YMCA member, to expand our offerings to an underserved community. Nick is a member of the Boise Bombers Wheelchair Rugby team, as an athlete he dedicates time to his physical health and wellbeing. He is a frequent visitor to the Caldwell YMCA and enjoys training, but felt limited by the equipment. He sought out Y staff members and explained his dream to see equipment for people with disabilities in our facility.
Excited by the possibility, our team secured funds to turn Nick’s dream into a reality. We partnered with local home exercise equipment company, Freemotion Fitness, to design and install a brand new machine. We were surprised Freemotion Fitness would be custom-building two additional machines.
On December 20, 2022, staff excitedly awaited Nick’s arrival for a surprise equipment reveal. Nick was personally briefed on each machine by Freemotion master coach, Jake Saunders. He was able to test the equipment, provide feedback and be a voice for his community and help make the Treasure Valley Family YMCA a place for all.
Nick’s dream has led other Y facilities to custom-order their own adaptable machines for their members.
“This is the most normal we’ve ever felt,” says Nick’s fiancé Megan, “and it’s all because of the Y.”
At the Y, we welcome everyone whose behavior adheres to our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
We advance our cause by building a stronger and more equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive, and reach their full potential with dignity.
The Y is a force for building bridges among all people–regardless of ability, age, birthplace, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, race, or sexual orientation.
The Y is for all.