Putting the “C” back in YMCA

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After years of feeling like a “spiritual” person, Stan Pelcher, a father, a professional and a fitness enthusiast, says he finally made a powerful connection with the Holy Spirit. He had participated in an international Ministry called “ALPHA,” which invites people to explore the meaning of life together in an informal setting, where questions, even hostile ones, are encouraged.

“It changed my life so much,” Stan reflects, ”that I did everything I could to serve the ministry.  I cooked, led discussions, served as a mentor, you name it. “  Contemplating what to do next, Sheila Coonen, Executive Director of Connecting to Serve, introduced Stan to Eric Elkins, the Residence Director at the Lincoln Family YMCA in downtown Phoenix.  “When Eric and I met; we had an instant connection.  Listening to him talk was like hearing myself think,” says Stan. 

Eric invited Stan to host an ALPHA program onsite. Another series of connections began to unfold, and before Stan knew it, Eddie Basha –who donates food each day from his chain of grocery stores - asked St. Vincent de Paul’s to provide the meals, and they agreed.  “It was amazing,” says Stan.  “We hosted an average of 50 YMCA residents at the ALPHA dinners, many of whom had endured so many problems in their life’s journey.  It was so gratifying to give those folks a place to connect, and hear God’s message of hope.”  Now that’s putting the “C” back into the YMCA.

But the momentum didn’t stop there.  Stan continued to expand his dream, asking the residents to create lists of things they needed.  “What I discovered was, the things people needed, such as hygiene items, counseling, job training and help getting medical care, were services being provided by all kinds of agencies.  Trouble was, no one knew how to get connected.” 

 Once he identified the problem, Stan set about he business of developing solutions.  Stan was introduced to yet another person who would help him make things happen.  Working in tandem with Arizona State University’s Social Work program, at the campus located just across the street from the YMCA, Stan was able to enlist the help of students and faculty.  Together with the President, Jeff Meyers, the two formed a Social Resource Center at the YMCA.  ASU students help YMCA’s residents connect with helpful programs, while they gain practical work experience.  And as Stan’s fruitful connections just continue to multiply, his work spreading the good news that has meant so much to his own life, reaches more and more people every year.

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 -Stan Pelcher, Volunteer, ALPHA USA, Lincoln County YMCA