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

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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Cindy Winkler

Cindy Winkler’s connection to the YMCA is rooted in something deeply personal—family, opportunity, and a lifelong belief in the power of movement and belonging.

Her story begins with her mother, who grew up with very little but found opportunity through the YMCA as a lifeguard and safety instructor. Because of that experience, Cindy was introduced early to swimming, physical activity, and the confidence that comes from both. That influence shaped her path, leading her to study physical education at Hanover College and build a career as a PE teacher. Even more, it became a family legacy—her sister now serves as the CEO of the YMCA in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Cindy’s own leadership journey with the Washington County Family YMCA began when community leader Wes Jones encouraged her to get involved. She first served on the Board of Directors from 2013 to 2017, returned again in 2021, and continues to serve today. During her time on the board, she helped hire current CEO Kristy Purlee and has remained a steady and passionate advocate for the Y’s mission.

Today, Cindy plays a key role in helping shape the future of the YMCA. As part of the building committee, she has been instrumental in fundraising efforts for the Y’s capital expansion project—a new childcare center and indoor recreation space that will serve families for generations to come. Her commitment is not just to the vision, but to seeing it through to completion.

When asked about a moment that made her especially proud of the YMCA, Cindy reflects on the organization’s response during COVID.She shares how meaningful it was to see the Y step up—providing meals for children in need and offering basic services like showers for those experiencing homelessness.

“That’s when you really see what the Y is all about,” she says. “It’s about showing up for people when they need it most.”

Cindy has also been a champion for growing programs that bring people together, including advocating for pickleball at the YMCA—creating new ways for members to stay active, connect, and belong.

To Cindy, the YMCA is far more than a fitness center. It’s a place where families come together, where kids and parents can share experiences, and where community truly takes shape.

“It’s not just individuals coming in to work out,” she explains. “It’s a shared space where families can be active together. It connects people across all our local schools and brings the community closer.”

And when it comes to welcoming new members, Cindy believes it starts with understanding people.

“I’d want to know what they enjoy—what matters to them. People naturally gravitate toward places where they feel good and connected.”

That sense of connection is exactly why Cindy believes in this place so deeply.

“For our community, there’s truly no place quite like this place. What makes it special isn’t just the facility—it’s the people. That sense of community is what makes it unique.”

Because of leaders like Cindy Winkler, the YMCA continues to grow not just as a building—but as a place where everyone belongs, families grow stronger, and a community comes together.

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Val Kelly

Long before the Washington County Family YMCA had a permanent home, Val Kelly was already building a community through fitness, friendship, and faithfulness to one another.

In the early days, before the Y had a facility, Val, Missy Mead, Theiss Bills and their classmates were teaching and attending step and exercise classes wherever space could be found. When former CEO David Brown helped locate office and workout space at Westminster Center, Val and her group finally had a place to call home.

“We had been several places before that,” Val shared. “So we were very happy to finally have step and exercise classes in one place.”

When the YMCA opened its doors at Westminster in 2001, Val and her classmates brought everything they had with them. Steps. Music. Equipment. Energy. Most importantly, they brought their people.

“We brought all of our equipment and all of our music,” she said. “We all came to the Y when it opened.”

One of Val’s most cherished memories is the legendary 5 AM class.

“I’ll never forget that class,” she said. “These ladies drove in from everywhere. Nobody lived close by except a few of us. They came, worked out, went home, and worked all day. It was amazing.”

These were not retirees with flexible schedules. They were working women who sacrificed sleep for their health. As Val jokes, “They didn’t miss sporting events. They just missed sleep.”

When the YMCA moved into its permanent home on Shelby Street in 2004, that same faithful group followed. The early morning energy continued, and so did Val’s leadership. Over time, classes evolved from step aerobics to spinning, yoga, and more.

“When we started spinning, there were about eight people,” she remembered. “But it grew.”

Looking back, Val says it is hard to name just one proud moment.

“What makes me proud is seeing the people we started with still coming,” she said. “They’re still active. Still trying to take care of themselves.”

In the early years, there were few options for fitness in Washington County. The YMCA filled a critical gap and became a place where wellness could grow.

“There really wasn’t anything else,” Val said. “We were glad to have this place. It’s been wonderful.”

Over time, Val watched the YMCA become a hub for families as well.

“With the kids’ programs and sports, families started earlier,” she explained. “Now parents can work out while their kids are here too. It makes it easier to stay healthy together.”

She also points to the powerful role of childcare and family programming in helping parents stay committed to their wellness.

But what stands out most to Val is the relationships.

“You can’t duplicate what happens in that room,” she said. “Even if you open another class somewhere else, you can’t duplicate the relationships.”

She speaks especially passionately about the senior and SilverSneakers members.

“I’ve been involved in fitness forever,” Val shared. “And I’ve never seen a more dedicated group than these seniors. They take it seriously. They show up. They support each other. It’s social. It’s wellness. It’s amazing.”

She recently shared a story about a 90-year-old member who was able to come off medication after starting yoga, and whose strength and flexibility inspire everyone around her.

“They are so inspiring,” Val said. “Physically and mentally.”

When asked what she would say to someone considering joining today, Val points to both value and heart.

“For the money, there is more offered here,” she said. “Other places might have a weight room, but not the classes, not the seniors’ programs, not the community.”

She added, “You can’t duplicate the morning yoga class. The relationships. The dedication. The people.”

For Val Kelly, the YMCA has never just been a place to exercise. It has been a place to grow, to belong, and to build something lasting together.

Her story reminds us why there truly is no place like this place.

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Lekisha Robbins

Sometimes people find the Y in simple ways. For Lekisha Robbins, it started with a yoga class.

Around 2009, she was just looking for a local place to take yoga. Lisa Lemons was teaching at the time, and that class drew her in. Lekisha began attending regularly and tried other classes as well. In those early days, there were only a few instructors. It was a small but passionate group building something meaningful.

Then someone at the front desk asked her if she would ever consider teaching Zumba.

Her answer was a hesitant maybe.

The YMCA offered to pay for her training, and she attended her Zumba certification in December 2009, even spending her birthday weekend at training. By January 2010, she was leading Zumba classes at the Washington County Family YMCA.

Later, when Lisa was ready to step away from teaching yoga, Lekisha stepped in to lead that class as well. What began as attending a class turned into years of service, leadership, and connection.

When asked how she has seen the Y build stronger families and a healthier community, Lekisha does not talk first about fitness results. She talks about community.

She has watched relationships form inside her classes. She has seen people hold one another accountable. She has seen friendships grow. As she puts it, it is not so much just a workout. It is fellowship.

That sense of belonging is what keeps people coming back. It is what helps individuals stay consistent and families stay connected.

When asked what she would say to someone considering joining the Y, she does not hesitate.

They are missing out if they do not join.

Because the Y is so much more than exercise. It is preschool. It is childcare. It is youth classes. It is Healthy Kids Day. It is a gym, a gathering place, and a safe space for families to grow.

As we celebrate 25 years in Washington County, alongside 175 years of the YMCA movement nationwide, our theme says it best.

There is no place like this place.

And people like Lekisha are exactly why.

Thank you, Lekisha, for saying yes and for helping create the fellowship that strengthens our community every single day. 

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Kim Beard

Kim Beard’s YMCA story didn’t begin as a job. It began as a mom trying to give her kids a chance.

Back in 2004–2005, Kim’s children wanted to play soccer, but like many families, the cost made it difficult. Through the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, an opportunity opened—Kim was offered the chance to coach, and in return, her children were able to play. What started as a simple “yes” became something that would shape the rest of her life.

“That’s how it all started,” Kim said. “It was awesome.”

Years later, Kim was teaching fitness classes at the Campbellsburg Community Center when someone from the YMCA came to observe her class and invited her to teach at the Washington County Family YMCA. She began with one class on a Thursday. Then another. And before long, she was teaching Zumba, dance, strength training, spin, yoga, personal training—just about everything.

At first, her mindset was simple. It was her class. Her people. Her responsibility. But over time, something shifted.

“One day it just clicked,” she said. “It wasn’t my class anymore—it was our class. We were a community.”

That sense of belonging became the heartbeat of everything she did.

Out of all the years and memories, one story stands out the most. A woman named Jessica began coming to Kim’s classes, quietly standing in the very back of the room, away from the mirrors. Week after week, Kim watched her slowly move forward—gaining confidence, one step at a time. Eventually, Kim invited her to help lead a song. Then another. Before long, Jessica became an instructor herself. Later, Kim had the honor of presenting her with an award at an Annual Campaign Dinner.

“That’s one of my proudest moments,” Kim shared. “Watching her grow like that—that’s what the Y does.”

For Kim, the YMCA has always been about more than fitness. It’s about helping people discover who they are and what they’re capable of.

After leaving Washington County, Kim stepped into a leadership role managing multiple fitness facilities in Louisville. She was successful, but something felt different. One day, her boss told her, “You are such a Y person.” At first, she didn’t know exactly what that meant—but over time, she realized it was one of the greatest compliments she could receive.

“To me, being a Y person means helping others, supporting your community, and knowing you’re part of something bigger,” she said. “It’s not about counting hours. It’s about passion.”

When Kim later moved to New Albany to be closer to her children, she carried that passion with her. Today, she serves as the Membership Director at the Clark County YMCA, where she continues to connect with people every day—welcoming new members, offering tours, helping families access financial assistance, and creating opportunities for others to belong.

“I get to meet so many amazing people,” she said. “That’s what I love.”

Throughout her journey, Kim has seen the YMCA at its best—showing up for the community in meaningful ways. She remembers events that brought people together and the partnerships that strengthened connections, but one moment stands out above the rest. During the 2017 Salem flood, the YMCA and the community came together to support families, help those affected, and care for workers.

“That was amazing,” she said. “People just showed up for each other.”

That spirit is what makes the YMCA different.

Looking back, Kim credits the Washington County YMCA for helping her grow—not just as a professional, but as a person. She was given space to lead, to try new things, and to push herself beyond what she thought was possible.

“Washington County watched me grow,” she said. “From one class to everything I became.”

That growth extended beyond the studio, even inspiring others as she pursued bodybuilding and challenged herself in new ways. People didn’t just work out with Kim—they were inspired by her.

For Kim, the YMCA has never been just a place to exercise. It is a place where people support one another, where confidence is built, and where community truly comes to life. She remembers attending YMCA events and watching the community rally together in support of the mission.

“It made my heart happy,” she said. “I was so proud of Salem and the people who showed up.”

That feeling—that sense of connection and belonging—is something she hasn’t found anywhere else.

And that is why, no matter where her journey takes her, Kim believes the same thing today as she did when it all began—

There is truly No Place Like This Place.

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Lisa Lemmons

For nearly two decades, Lisa Lemmons has been a constant, encouraging presence at the Washington County Family YMCA. Long before today’s full schedule of classes and programs, Lisa was already helping build the foundation of what the Y would become.

She first joined the YMCA team in 2004, becoming one of the very first fitness instructors when the doors opened at the current Shelby Street location. Her journey began even earlier, when she interviewed for her position with then CEO John Hill while the YMCA was still operating out of Westminster Center.

From the start, Lisa brought energy, creativity, and heart to her role. She began by teaching Step Aerobics and quickly grew alongside the Y, expanding her offerings to include Spin, Yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and nearly anything her participants were excited to try. Her willingness to learn and adapt has helped keep members motivated and engaged for years.

But Lisa’s service did not stop in the studio. Over time, she also worked at the front desk in membership services and served part time as the Group Exercise Coordinator, supporting both members and fellow instructors. Wherever she was needed, Lisa stepped in.

One moment that stands out most for her happened during a weightlifting competition she helped support. As participants took turns competing, she watched something special unfold.

“I will never forget how each person encouraged and cheered on their competitors,” Lisa shared. “You could just feel the genuine enthusiasm and support. It was one of my most favorite moments at the Y.”

That spirit of encouragement reflects what Lisa has helped foster for nearly 20 years.

One of her proudest memories came on the day the YMCA opened its current location.

“I’ll never forget the day we opened,” she said. “The way the community came out to show love and support showed how important the Y was to them.”

Since that day, Lisa has watched the YMCA grow and evolve while staying true to its mission. Programs have expanded. Partnerships have strengthened. And throughout every season, she has remained committed to helping members succeed.

Over the years, Lisa has built lasting friendships through the Y and witnessed countless personal transformations.

“I have been lucky to meet so many new people,” she shared. “Some have turned into great friendships that continue today. I’ve seen many transformations and others encouraging those who strive for a healthier lifestyle.”

When asked what she would say to someone considering joining, her answer reflects her own journey.

“The Y has always been more than a place to work out,” Lisa said. “It is a place where you will always feel like you are part of something bigger. A place where you feel supported and encouraged. A place to bring your family and meet new friends.”

As the Washington County Family YMCA celebrates 25 years, Lisa’s story represents the heart of the Y. Nearly two decades of service, teaching, mentoring, and welcoming others have helped shape a culture of belonging that continues today.