YMCA's 25th anniversary "YCon" series, part four

The Washington County Family YMCA is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Y is recognizing some of the people who helped build and sustain the organization over the past quarter century.

Lovingly dubbed "YCons", the group includes founding leaders, longtime volunteers, staff members, and early supporters who played a role in establishing and growing the YMCA in Washington County. Some helped launch the effort in the early days, while others have spent years giving their time and energy to keep it going.

Over the next few weeks, The Washington County Times will publish a series highlighting these individuals. Each story is provided by the Washington County Family YMCA, and published as-is.

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Beth Armstrong

Some people leave behind buildings. Others leave behind programs. Beth Armstrong left behind something even more powerful: a vision for the young people and families of Washington County.

Beth first became connected to the Washington County Family YMCA through the Youth First of Washington County initiative, created after a community needs assessment revealed that many local youth were missing critical Developmental Assets, the building blocks that help children grow into healthy, confident, and engaged adults. Youth First was designed to change that.

Through this work, Beth partnered with families, schools, and community leaders to strengthen the 40 Developmental Assets, creating opportunities for young people to build relationships, develop confidence, and feel supported.

One program especially close to Beth’s heart was Afternoons Rock, which she helped lead in county middle schools. It created safe, consistent spaces where teens could connect with peers, build confidence, and form relationships with caring adults.

Beth had a special love for teens. She believed that when young people are given encouragement and meaningful opportunities, they grow into strong leaders who shape their communities for the better.

When Youth First merged with the Washington County Family YMCA, Beth continued that work under The Y's mission of putting Christian principles into practice that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

For Beth, that mission was not just something to say – it was something to live.

Through her leadership and daily interactions, she created environments where young people felt seen, supported, and valued.

Her leadership quickly became evident. Beth stepped into multiple roles within the YMCA, guiding programs, supporting staff, and helping expand the organization’s reach. During a critical time of transition, she stepped forward to serve as Interim CEO, helping lead the organization after the absence of then director Scott Johnson. She led with humility, steadiness, and a deep commitment to the mission.

Eventually, Beth returned to her roots in agriculture, stepping away from nonprofit work as a career. But her connection to the YMCA did not end there. She continued serving as a volunteer leader. Beth joined the Board of Directors and later served as Board President, helping guide the organization’s future and strengthen its impact across Washington County.

She believed deeply that communities are strongest when families and young people are supported.

That belief led her to champion the YMCA’s vision for expansion. Beth saw the need for spaces where children, teens, and families could gather, grow, and belong. She became a strong advocate for the YMCA’s capital campaign and was slated to serve as Campaign Director for the effort.

Although Beth’s life was cut short, her vision continues to guide the work today.

The Beth Armstrong Y For All Capital Campaign honors her belief that every child and family deserves access to opportunity. “This campaign carries Beth’s heart,” said Kristy Purlee, Chief Executive Officer. “Beth believed deeply in creating spaces where children and families could grow, belong, and feel supported. Naming this campaign in her honor ensures her vision continues to shape this community for generations to come.”

This expansion will bring more than just childcare to Washington County. It will include an 8,840 square foot gymnasium, a larger group exercise room, and a dedicated Teen Activity Space, creating opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging for people of all ages.

In many ways, the Teen Activity Space reflects the very environments Beth spent years creating for young people through programs like Afternoons Rock.

Her legacy lives on in those spaces and in the lives she impacted.

Family Reflection

Beth’s family remembers her deep faith and unwavering commitment to others:

“Beth believed every child is made in the image of God and that each person has a purpose and a calling. One of her greatest passions was helping children and teens understand that they were created for something meaningful. She wanted them to know that no matter their circumstances, they had support not only from her but from their community. Beth became a second mom and a trusted mentor to many young people in Washington County. We have been blessed to hear so many stories of lives changed by her love and encouragement. Her legacy lives on in the countless people she poured into during her time here.”

They also reflect on her servant heart and the way she lived out her calling:

“When Beth moved to Washington County, she immediately made it her mission to get involved and serve. Youth First and the YMCA gave her the opportunity to live out that calling. Beth believed in leaving communities and people better than you found them, and to her that meant serving selflessly.

“Whether she was encouraging teens at Afternoons Rock or welcoming young people into our home, her love for others was evident in every interaction. It was never about titles or recognition for Beth. She simply wanted to be a good steward of what the Lord had entrusted to her.

“While she gave so much to the community, we were also blessed to experience her love at home and on our farm. She taught us to work hard, live with passion, and be a difference maker. Our hope is that the Beth Armstrong Y For All Capital Campaign will continue the mission she cared so deeply about for years to come.”

Why is there “No Place Like This Place?”

The Washington County Family YMCA is shaped by people who believe in the power of community. Beth Armstrong was one of those people.

Her journey from Youth First leader, to YMCA staff, to Interim CEO, to Board President, to capital campaign champion reflects a life committed to helping young people grow and families thrive.

A Legacy That Continues

Today, the Beth Armstrong Y For All Capital Campaign carries forward the vision she believed in so strongly.

Beth Armstrong believed in building stronger communities by investing in young people. Today, the spaces being created through the Beth Armstrong Y For All Capital Campaign will continue that work for generations to come.  

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Coyla and Jerry Short

For Jerry and Coyla Short, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of their lives for decades. Both first became involved with the Y at just 16 years old in Louisville, where they each found a place that encouraged healthy living, connection, and community. What started as a teenage experience grew into something much deeper over time.

As their lives unfolded together, the YMCA remained a constant. When their son was young, it became a place where their entire family could spend time together, making it easier to stay active while also staying connected. Now, 57 years into their marriage, Jerry and Coyla still show up at the Y almost every day. It is part of their routine, but more importantly, it is part of who they are.

Their commitment to the Y goes beyond membership. Coyla served as Secretary on the YMCA Board, offering her leadership and time, while Jerry was also involved in the early days, serving on the board when the YMCA was first getting started. Together, they have not only witnessed the Y’s growth, but helped shape it.

One memory that stands out to Coyla is from Christmastime, when the preschool class walked through the YMCA caroling. It was a simple moment, but one that captured something bigger. She remembers how it felt like everyone belonged, not just people coming in for a workout, but a true community sharing in something meaningful together.

Over the years, they have seen many milestones, but a few stand out as especially meaningful. Jerry recalls the moment the YMCA became debt free, a turning point that allowed the organization to breathe, grow, and focus more fully on serving the community. For Coyla, the transformation of the YMCA itself has been remarkable. She remembers when it was just a small building on Highway 60 and reflects on how incredible it has been to watch it grow into the facility it is today, offering so many opportunities for families across Washington County.

What stands out most to both Jerry and Coyla is not just the building or the programs, but the people. For many seniors, the YMCA is just as much a social space as it is a place for physical health. They see familiar faces day after day, and when someone is missing, it is noticed. That consistency creates a sense of belonging that is hard to find anywhere else.

They also recognize how the YMCA continues to adapt to meet the needs of its members. With programs like Y 360 and the addition of 24 hour access, the Y has become even more accessible, allowing people to stay connected and active no matter their schedule or stage of life.

Having visited YMCAs across the country, Jerry and Coyla both agree there is something uniquely special about the Washington County Family YMCA. They describe it as more personal, a place where you are greeted when you walk in and acknowledged when you leave. That level of care does not happen by accident. It reflects a culture where people matter.

For Jerry and Coyla, the YMCA is more than a place they go. It is a place that has grown with them, supported their family, and connected them to a community they care deeply about.

And that is exactly why there is no place like this place.