Numbers can give reasons for unfavorable decisions, but they can’t tell the stories of how such decisions affect people’s lives. If the income is not enough to pay the bills, a business or agency closes, even when much good is generated from that facility. The numbers can explain the “why.” The stories tell of people’s sadness and struggles.

“I understand business decisions,” says Pat Sharp, 64, of West Peoria, a former business owner and faithful participant of the Peoria YWCA’s therapeutic pool. “I’ve so enjoyed going there. It was affordable, convenient, and good for my health. I’m really sad it’s closing.”

Jo Hackett, 69, says the pool’s closing will affect a lot of people.  “I’m going to miss it.”

When Barb Nicholson talks about the pool closing, her voice reflects her feelings. “Being in the water and being with friends was the highlight of my day. Change is so hard at my age,” she’s 71. She adds, “I don’t want to quit till the doors are locked.”

The decision to close the YWCA’s facility at 1013 Lake Street in Peoria, which opened in the 1960’s, was not an easy one. Sandy Markert, CEO, explains she works as a “turnaround specialist” for the Y. “That’s what I intended to do when I came here, but this was way beyond turning around. They could not afford to stay in the building. We wanted to save all the programs, but we could not stay here. This was not a quick or easy decision. We looked at figures each way we could. We came to this decision because we had to.”

A letter posted on YWCA’s website explains the Peoria site has been facing “significant financial challenges for some time.” After “carefully reviewing and evaluating” programs and the financial situation with experienced advisors, the difficult decision to discontinue programs at the Lakeview facility is effective October 1, 2011.  “The day care program, the therapeutic pool, and health and fitness classes will no longer be offered.” Administrative staff relocates by the end of October.

Child Care Director, Raylene Pitts, says she feels badly for parents whose children were in daycare. “I’ve cried with some of the parents. They’ve been wonderful and some don’t want their children to leave until the very last day.” Raylene has ten years experience at the Y’s daycare, the last four as director, and she and her staff of 17, all of whom have at least five years seniority, are now without jobs. (Additional staff was also employed only for summer.)

Tara Blundy began working at the Y in May of 1997, and nine years later, her daughter Emma was in daycare. “I liked the staff’s friendliness with the children. Teachers often brought in their own decorations and toys to share. Our working budget was limited, and we learned to improvise. Classrooms and activities were festive and the children enjoyed them. Parents have been very nice, asking if we’ve found jobs and wishing us well.”

When Kristen Waggoner talks about the staff and parents of children from the Y, she uses the word “family.” I’ve been here 16 years and I know some parents so well. I’ve seen them, and the staff, of course, everyday for years. Now I’m desperately searching for another job.”

During their careers at the Y, both Tara and Kristen had students in the after school program who years later were bringing their children to daycare. One former student of Tara’s worked in childcare at the Y this past summer.

Aquatic Director Connie Beiersdorf, 57, says, “My very favorite job in the world is ending. Heartstrings are attached to this job. It’s not about bricks and mortar but the spirit of the place and the people.”The pool opened in November of 2002, and has some 600 to 900 regular participants. Numbers vary considerably because of folks wintering elsewhere. “The number of people who came here with serious health problems and are now off medications and doing well is amazing,” says Connie.

Candy Thomas, 66, is a relative newcomer to the group, with nearly three years experience. She recently joined a Red Hat Society comprised of all “pool people.” She says the pool’s warm water and exercise, and friendships, made such a difference for everyone.

“I’ve heard stories and stories of how the pool has helped so many people. The last thing we wanted to do was to close it,” emphasizes Sandy Markert.

“There has been an outpouring of support from other facilities welcoming people,” says Connie. “Curves, Landmark, Riverplex are offering tours and special prices to pool members from the Y.” Liz Wilson from Landmark echoes the concern of other centers when she says, “We’re doing what we can to accommodate folks and relieve their anxieties and financial concerns as they adjust to a new club.”

Since the September announcement to close the Peoria YWCA Lakeview site, the prevalent mood has been sadness. Daycare, maintenance and kitchen staff, pool staff and participants, parents of children in daycare and before and after school care all are affected by the closing. Individuals have lost their jobs, and in the current job market, finding other employment can be very difficult. “No one felt good about this closing,” says Sandy, who received phone calls from people offering ideas to help remedy the situation.  She expresses gratitude to Heartland Bank for letting them “walk away” from the $3.1 million dollar debt. “They could have foreclosed and then we would not have been able to keep our housing programs. I don’t want the community to think badly of the bank. The mission of the YWCA Peoria will be greatly advanced by Heartland Bank’s accommodation to our organization.”

The YWCA Peoria was founded in 1893. Work continues to fulfill its mission of “eliminating racism and empowering women.” The YW offers emergency overnight shelter, transitional housing, and services for the homeless at other facilities in the community. “We are the largest provider of housing for the homeless in the tri-county area,” says Sandy. She also quotes the sobering statistic that “the average age of a homeless person is ten.”

Saying goodbye to co-workers, families who entrusted their children to your care, folks who joined you for classes in the pool, and all the familiar people who made a difference in your life is not easy. Change is difficult for everyone. But it’s easier if accompanied by a firm belief in the resilience of the human spirit. “There are good people everywhere,” said Connie Beiersdorf, as she talked about the sadness in the closing of the Lakeview YWCA.

Every completion is one step away from a beginning.  Thank you to the staff and patrons of the Peoria YWCA.  Wishing you confident steps into the next beginning.