By Timothy Hilk, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Cleveland
At the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, we believe true wellness is more than physical fitness. It includes mental resilience, emotional balance, and a sense of belonging. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the complete well-being of every individual we serve—spirit, mind, and body.
This holistic approach is deeply rooted in the YMCA movement’s mission and values. For more than 170 years, Y has been at the forefront of developing programs that meet the evolving needs of communities. That includes our long history of addressing mental wellness, from early social clubs that offered support and camaraderie, to today’s evidence-based programs designed to meet people where they are in their mental health journey.
Here in Greater Cleveland, that legacy continues with intention and innovation.
In 2024, we deepened our commitment to mental well-being by launching a new mental wellness initiative across our branches. This initiative includes mental health first aid training for staff, partnerships with local behavioral health providers, and accessible programs for members that promote stress reduction, mindfulness, and emotional resilience. We are expanding support groups and classes that focus on topics such as managing anxiety, building confidence, and nurturing connections—especially among youth and seniors, two groups disproportionately affected by isolation and mental health issues.
What sets the YMCA apart is our ability to combine these initiatives with physical health programming, which research shows plays a vital role in mental well-being. Whether it’s a group exercise class, a swim lesson, or simply walking into one of our welcoming branches, the Y provides connection, community and consistency—all of which are critical for mental wellness.
This integrated approach flows from our core belief that wellness must involve the spirit, mind, and body. We do not treat these aspects of life as separate lanes; we see them as deeply interwoven. A person’s sense of belonging, emotional strength and physical health are connected—and at the Y, we are uniquely positioned to support all three.
One of the most powerful examples of our work in mental health is Y-Haven, a program that has transformed lives for more than three decades. Y-Haven serves individuals who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. With clinical support, peer mentorship, stable housing, and access to workforce development, Y-Haven has helped thousands of people rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. It is a testament to the YMCA’s belief in second chances—and in the resilience of the human spirit.
Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in programs that break down barriers to mental wellness and strengthen our community’s capacity for healing and growth. The YMCA of Greater Cleveland is more than a gym. We are a movement rooted in care, inclusion, and hope.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, I invite you to view your own wellness through a wider lens—and to explore how the Y can be a partner in nurturing your full potential.