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May 18

YMCA leader pursues healthy lifestyle through organization’s programs – Massillon Independent

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Jim Stanford developed a love for health and fitness as a kid, and shares the passion with others through his work as CEO of the YMCA of Western Stark County.

Editor's note: Kaitlyn Meister, of Canal Fulton, is the resident reporter for the YMCA of Western Stark County and writes monthly impact stories and newsletters to bring awareness to the community of the YMCA's mission. Meister also teaches a preschool class at the Towpath Trail Y. She graduated from Northwest High School and has a degree in human development and family studies from Kent State University.

Jim Stanfords love for health and fitness began at an early age with an enthusiasm for sports. After receiving a bachelors degree in education, Jim moved to Southern California where he worked as a kindergarten- through eighth-grade gym teacher and sports coach. Three years later, he was ready to come home and found work at a local church. During that time, he and his older brother became members of the North Canton YMCA. It soon became a place where they enjoyed going every week. It wasnt until Jim met the physical director at the Y that he had the idea of working for the nonprofit organization.

It was in 1990 when Jim started his career at the Massillon Family YMCA as league coordinator. This included organizing clubs in every sport that was offered at the Y such as basketball, racquetball and volleyball. After his first year, he was promoted to physical director, the same position that had first interested him.

Fast forward 26 years, Jim is the CEO of the YMCA of Western Stark County and has the same passion for the Y now that he did when he got started. He aims to continually make the Massillon Family Y a place where people feel welcome and are able to participate in what interests them most.

The YMCA has something for everyone, he says, listing off a variety of choices. We have weights, adult sports, youth sports, basketball, racquetball, handball, wallyball, swimming, group exercise classes on land and water ..." The list goes on. I think itd be hard to come here and try a variety of different things while keeping an open mind and not find something you enjoy, he concluded.

When it comes to his personal interests, Jim has a heart for the basketball league that plays at noon each day. For years he would organize his schedule around this break in the day. Unfortunately, after having two knee replacements, he admitted that his body doesnt cooperate as it once did. While a younger generation has continued this tradition of playing ball every day at noon, he hasnt stopped finding ways to stay active.

As a result, you can find Jim in the pool now. He straps on a swim belt and runs in the water for exercise. It makes me feel like Im running again without the pain, he says, recalling his high school track team days. While it hasnt become a favorite for him yet, hes also begun lap swimming.

I feel great physically, he proclaims, Especially for replacement recipients like myself, the water gives me a feeling of total freedom of movement.

Jim is one of the countless examples of how the YMCA has the ability to fit each members individual needs. With the variety of programs and classes that are offered, there truly is something for everyone.

These programs are organized into three main categories: The first is youth development. Children are the keystone of the future. With that in mind, the Y provides a fun, safe environment where children from infancy to teens are encouraged to grow into their fullest potential. Then theres healthy living. Programs included in this area incorporate more than physical exercise. Its about cultivating a balanced spirit, mind and body and places an emphasis on making positive changes that lead to a fulfilling and active life. And third is social responsibility, which includes volunteerism, community service work and donor support. The generosity of others is at the core of the Ys existence as a nonprofit.

In addition to these areas of focus, the YMCA of Western Stark County offers two locations, including the Massillon Family YMCA in Massillon and Towpath Trail YMCA in Navarre. Both are open early for those who enjoy exercising before a busy day begins and stay open late to accommodate individuals and families who enjoy attending in the evening.

Everything is taken into consideration to make it easier for people to participate in the Y, Jim Stanford explains.

The assortment of programs, classes and events that incorporates all demographics has been proof to the community that the Y really is more than a gym. Its a place where people join to become healthier physically, and leave feeling like theyre a part of something greater than themselves.

And its that mentality that keeps people coming back to the YMCA again and again.

Originally posted here:
YMCA leader pursues healthy lifestyle through organization's programs - Massillon Independent

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