“The Y really helped us not feel alone.” - Vanessa
When Vanessa and her wife moved from Maryland to Tacoma for work, they suddenly found themselves in a new city with no family, no friends, and a young son, Atlas, who needed community as much as they did.
“We didn’t know anyone here,” says Vanessa. “We didn’t have friends or family here. The Y really helped us not feel alone.”
The Pearl Street Family YMCA quickly became their anchor. Vanessa first joined to enroll Atlas in swim lessons, but what they found was much more than a pool. The Y became their community hub and Vanessa is now friends with other parents who bring their kids to the Y.
“The Y helped me find my community here,” says Vanessa. “We have a parent group chat of people that I’ve met here and that’s my friend group now. We do playdates, we meet at the playground.”
Encouraging Atlas to Grow
The Y has been a place of discovery and social growth for Atlas. He has participated in swim lessons and gymnastics, and as an only child with two moms, Vanessa values the interactions with male mentors, too.
“His favorite person, Liam, works in Child Watch. Atlas is always asking if teacher Liam will be there and Liam really pays attention to how Atlas is growing, and that means a lot.”
Strength for Vanessa
While Atlas flourishes in his youth programming, Vanessa found her own path at the Y through powerlifting, where she has built strength and confidence.
“I never thought I could do stuff like that. I was always the big kid growing up and I never trusted my body. Coach Brad is really encouraging and positive.”
Community and Belonging
Vanessa admits she was unsure how her family would be received at the Y.
“I was a little worried initially because I didn’t know what the vibe was going to be here about queer families. It’s been good. People have been welcoming and just really kind.”
That genuine inclusion, combined with programs and friendships, made the Y feel like home.
“Finding a place where you belong: it means everything. To find a place where everything was steady and stable meant a lot.”
"You Need to Come Here"
Vanessa asks other parents she meets a simple question:
“I feel like I tell everybody I meet with a young kid, ‘do you know about this place? You need to come to the Pearl Street Y.’”