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Day: February 13, 2026

Felicia’s Y Story

Posted on by Kathleen Webber

The moment Felicia couldn’t catch up to her son when he ran away from her, she knew something had to change. The thought of not being able to be there for her kids scared her more than anything. That’s when she found the Mukilteo Y. 

As a stay-at-home mom of three boys, Felicia needed a place where her kids could be safe while she exercised. She says what made change possible was access to the Kids Zone and the welcoming environment where she could go at her own pace. 

It’s been a journey, but her determination and persistence have gotten her to where she is today. 

Now, Felicia has been coming to the Y for over a year straight and has lost 96 pounds. She runs two miles in 17 minutes and powers through group exercise classes that once left her breathless. She can now outrun all three of her sons. And her youngest is making friends at the Kids Zone. 

The Y has given Felicia more than a place to exercise. It’s given her energy that she hasn’t felt since she was a teenager. It’s given her a community that holds her accountable and motivated to keep coming back every day. 

“The Y means to me, a place where I can achieve my goals,” said Felicia. “I come here because I love the community. They know us by name, and they treat us like we’re friends, not like clients.”  

To learn more about membership opportunities at the Y, visit ymca-snoco.org.

Removing Barriers through Snowboarding

Posted on by Kathleen Webber

Every year, the YMCA of Snohomish County provides a snowboard program that expands access to outdoor adventure for teens from communities facing barriers to opportunity. Teens spend a full day in the Cascades, traveling to the pass to experience the fun, challenge, and confidence-building power of snowboarding. 

The program runs once per week during the months of January through March. Everything from cost to equipment is included. 

“Being able to experience some of the best terrain in the lower 48 is a gift for any one of us, and it’s especially a gift for them, many of whom have never been up there,” said Jason Maki, Skate and Teen Director of the Mukilteo Family YMCA. 

The first time Jason truly got a taste of the impact his program has on teens was when things didn’t go quite as planned.  

Due to some complications, they got to the pass much later than originally planned. Only getting minutes on the snow and having to take their dinner to go, Jason was disappointed he couldn’t give them a full day experience.  

Thinking the kids would be upset, he was prepared to apologize to them on the bus ride back. But before he even had a chance to speak, a teen interrupted him, asking if that’s what every week is going to be like. To his surprise, all the teens exclaimed that it was the greatest night of their lives. 

It’s moments like this that illustrate the impact programs funded by our Community Campaign have. Without it, teens would miss out on lifetime experiences such as snowboarding in the Cascades.  
 
To learn more about getting involved with the YMCA Community Campaign, please visit ymca-snoco.org/community-campaign.