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.