The Y Builds Community on a Grand Scale
Steve Triller currently serves as a Director of Philanthropy. He shares his Y story and what brought him back to the Y after retirement.
Charlie asked me if I would introduce myself and tell a little about my Y career and why I chose to come back to the Y. There has been significant change over the last two years and there are lots of staff who I do not know. I will give you a cliff notes version of my 40-plus years of working at the Y so please bear with me and hopefully I won’t ramble too much as I go back to a time which for most of you will seem like a very long time ago.
Way back in 1978 I was 22 years old and had recently graduated from Springfield College with a BS degree in Physical Education. I had grown up in upstate NY and my fiancé and soon-to-be wife (Kim) had been looking at various options for places to live. Kim had interviewed for a gymnastics director position at the new Pearl Street YMCA in June of 1978 and was offered and accepted the position. I decided to tag along and move to the great Northwest and since I was not entirely sure of what I wanted to do for work, I gave myself some time to take some temporary positions. I worked part-time for United Airlines in the baggage department for a year and a half and also started working part-time in the weight room and teaching various fitness classes at the Y. During this time, I also took a strong liking to a fairly new sport, racquetball, and started teaching lessons for beginners. After about a year and a half, I enrolled in the School of Physical Therapy at the University of Puget Sound but still continued to work at the Y. While I enjoyed my time at UPS I was enjoying my work at the Y even more. I had another year left to complete the Physical Therapy program when I decided to take a leave of absence. My wife was also pregnant with our first child and in my heart, I sensed that I would not return to complete my degree in Physical Therapy. In the meantime, Clint Scott, the Associate Executive Director at the time offered me a full-time position as a Court Sports Director. My full-time Y journey had begun. I thought it might be easier to squeeze in more descriptors regarding my Y story by answering some questions.
What was the Y like in the late ’70s?
It was dynamic and exciting. The new Pearl Street Y had defied the odds and was successful from the beginning. There was a 9-month waiting list to join. There was a new awareness of fitness and people wanted to be a part of it. Y President, John Morgan was laser-focused and his vision for serving the community was unparalleled. His fee structure for all programs to be included in the membership was the first of its kind nationally.
What attracted you to the Y?
I loved the vibrancy and dynamic energy that was in the building. People wanted to be there. The Y builds community on a grand scale for people of all ages like no other organization that I know. I didn’t realize it at the time, especially in my early years at the Y, but the Y filled my own needs to connect with people and learn more about them. This did not happen overnight. It helped me step outside of myself and take note of others. For the most part, I think that people want to be known and appreciated. I really enjoyed getting out on the floor to connect and it helped me personally by getting to know others. Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility speak for themselves. Try hard to live by the values.
What about staff advancement?
I think the best way to advance is to do the best in the position that you are currently in. Everyone is different and the main thing is to appreciate where you currently are. Be the best team player that you can be. Learn to follow and lead when opportunities present themselves. Over the years I worked with so many different staff and I appreciate the great passion for the work that I have seen in others. It was contagious and it caused me to step up my game. I still see this passion on the Staying Connected calls every Friday. The work of the Y is carried out by all of the great staff who are committed to their jobs.
How has the Y changed over the years?
This is a tough question because there have been so many changes. Desk computers for staff came along in the '90s which must seem hard for some of you to fathom. I did not know how to type so it took some extra effort to learn. At one time volunteers helped run many of our programs and that has changed dramatically over the years. It is critical however to find new ways to engage volunteers and keep them connected to the Y. They are a reflection of the strength of the Y and help make the Y different from other organizations. Programmatically, the Y has created the Center for Community Impact (CCI) in the most recent years and I think this is an important program that demonstrates how the Y reaches out to the community beyond its facilities walls. The Y needs to continue to serve with excellence through its existing programs and realize that “it cannot be all things to all people” as John Morgan used to say. COVID reminded us all that the Y is still a business and we earn the right to stay open one day at a time and God willing we will continue to flourish once again as we did pre-COVID. The Y staff team has shown great resilience throughout this time and everyone is to be commended for the positive attitude that has been demonstrated through turbulent times like none that we have experienced before.
What brought me back to Y?
There are some fundraising projects that I thought I might be able to assist with and Charlie encouraged me to apply. Although I am no longer in a branch, I still get to share in some of the successes that have occurred as we raise support for those in need as well as for capital projects that will serve many others in the future. I have always seen fundraising as everyone’s job so it is critical that staff understand and accept your role. I have never asked for me but rather for the Y. Staff members can carry a lot of influence because of all of the great impact you are providing for others through your work. You are a “Big” part of the Y story. Thank you all Y staff for the work that you have done and the work you will do. It has been my privilege to know and work with so many of you and with those of you whom I have not met. I encourage you to give your very best effort to a work that you will hopefully one day look back on and say “Wow, where did the time go? That was sure a fun ride.” Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you!
- Staff Blog by Steve Triller