Meet the Lew Family, long time Sammamish residents and Y members who can also be seen on the cover of our Fall Program Guide!
Cyndi Lew and her three sons, JT, Daniel and Matthew love coming to the Sammamish Y. The family enjoys taking advantage of the fitness area, indoor track and the gymnasiums where they can frequently be found shooting hoops and participating in “pick-up” games.
But the Lew family enjoys coming to the Y for more than just the facilities. They enjoy having a space where they can connect with community and practice healthy habits in an environment that is inclusive of everyone.
Cyndi says, “The Y is a nonprofit organization who is more than just a fitness center. They are a family oriented facility with a mission for healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. All the staff members are very friendly and inclusive to all. They make us feel like we really belong!”
The youngest son, Matthew, a Pine Lake Middle School student, especially enjoys utilizing the various options to improve his physical health to build athletic strength for the baseball and basketball teams he plays on. Daniel can also be found regularly in the gymnasiums playing basketball with friends. The oldest son, JT lives in Seattle and often visits our West Seattle Family Y where he enjoys exercising when he’s not studying or attending classes at the University of Washington.
Daniel also works at the Y as a Lead Membership Engagement Representative. When asked why he chooses to work at the Y, Daniel says, “One of my main priorities is to strengthen my community that has given so much to me. The Y’s mission of healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development align with my personal beliefs on building a strong community.”
Daniel’s passion for helping others and the Y’s core values are evident every day in the work that he does at the Sammamish Y and through his volunteer work in the community. When he’s not working at the front desk, Daniel volunteers as a youth baseball coach for the 13u Washington Athletics a local non-profit organization. He is passionate about not only helping youth become better players, but also helping them become stronger and more confident. “As a former athlete, I know that there is more to life than athletics, so it is important to prepare youth for encounters on and off the field teaching them about respecting others, the importance of family, having an industrious attitude and much more.”
Daniel is a great role model for our staff and youngest members. He is always ready to take on new challenges and is there for his team whenever they need him.
He says, “I enjoy being able to be part of something that is bigger than myself. The Y staff seems to be all on the same page and working towards a common goal which is something that I think is very special. I look forward to coming to work especially because of my relationship with my coworkers! They are awesome! Couldn’t be any more thankful for this opportunity.”
