Editor’s note: Jenna Lehman’s a foundational leader at the Gordon Family YMCA. In 2015 she worked from the mobile office in the parking lot during center construction. When the center opened she served as the aquatics director and now she’s the executive director. We sat down with her to hear what’s unique about the community, how the Y has grown and what’s ahead.
Sumner, Bonney Lake and Orting have grown a lot in the last 10 years. How has that growth influenced the Gordon Family YMCA?
Our center draws people outside of Sumner – from Tehaleh, Edgewood to Buckley. There is a bit of a rivalry - people take pride in being from the hill or the valley. That rivalry isn’t really a part of the center culture. More than 20,000 people are members here and come together from across east Pierce County to find friendship and community while pursuing their health here.
While the community is growing, I get the sense it still feels like a small town in a lot of ways. Is that true?
Absolutely. We work together to solve problems. The City of Sumner has been an incredible partner since the very beginning. The city wanted to make sure there was a safe place for kids in our community.
When the Y received the land to build the center, part of the agreement included providing a specific number of membership vouchers for families the Sumner- Bonney Lake School District deem in need each year.
Many families in our community are down on their luck for a season. It may be a financial hardship, in between housing or in a health crisis and parents are looking for their kids to have a sense of normalcy in their life. A place to play and grow after school and on the weekends – we're honored to serve families through those seasons.
It’s touching to hear how people take care of each other.
Totally. I’m a firm believer that if we can get people connected here, they’ll stay here.
Our active older adult cohort is another example of that. There is a person who has progressed from a walker into a much more independent movement. When other members heard that insurance may not cover this person’s membership anymore, we had 6-7 people come to our team and offer to pay for his membership.
We were able to solve the need another way. But stories like this tell us people who might feel alone at home aren’t lonely when they come to the YMCA. They’re building connections.
As a nonprofit, we rely on all kinds of generosity to keep meeting needs. What is unique about the generosity of the Gordon community?
People are very giving of their time. We have members approach us with an interest in volunteering and it’s always appreciated.
Rotary of Sumner was the first organization to make a financial gift to start our first capital campaign ten years ago.
I’d also call out our annual giving tree. We work with East Pierce Fire & Rescue, Sumner Police Department and the school district to make sure families in our area have gifts for the holidays. Last year we had a hard time keeping tags on our giving tree and boxes overflowing with gifts! It was incredible.
10 years serving the community is a big milestone. Anything else you’re proud of that you want to mention?
With Lake Tapps just up the hill safety around water is a big deal for our community. We’ve provided 101,845 swim lessons to date and counting.
I can honestly say while I’m proud of the last 10 years, I’m even more excited about the next 10 years.
You’re invited to join the 10 year anniversary of the Gordon Family YMCA on Monday, September 15. Learn more about the event here.