“I moved to Vermont from the Congo nine years ago. Two years later, I joined the Y.
“My little brother was the one who encouraged me to go. When I first moved to this country, I was seeking activities to do in my free time.
“Now, I come to the Y four or five days a week, depending on how my body feels. The Y helps me to reduce stress and relax after a long day at work. I feel relaxed. My mood is improved. I focus on my workout; I don’t have to think about other stuff.
“The Y is such a respectful and supportive community. Every time I work out, the people here encourage me, saying things like ‘You got two more reps, keep going, keep pushing.’ The Y is the best – a place where you can meet some great people and work on yourself with the help of others.”
-Flori Zabili