The Y was a lifeline for Lester Brown’s single-parent family growing up. His mother, an immigrant to the United States, worked multiple jobs to support the family. The after-school programs the Y offered were essential to giving Lester a strong sense of community at a young age.

Giving back to the community and nurturing the potential of children is one of the main reasons Lester became a board member at the University Family Y in 2019.

“I see the Y’s impact as much more than just a gym,” Lester said. “The Y brings the community together through improving mental and physical health, giving back to those in need, supporting your neighbor, and promoting equity for all. The impact is really making the community healthier in multiple ways and providing for families in need, the same way the Y provided for me.”

Lester now works for a real estate development company in Seattle and lives in Green Lake with his wife, Amber, son, Kendall, and three dogs, Tiger Woods, Lou Piniella, and Lola. He enjoys spending time outside with his family, running, golf, remodeling their house, and rooting for the Seattle Mariners. He also makes time to volunteer as a board member and is passionate about the benefits of volunteering.

“Being a member of a community that supports the issues that I believe in makes for a happier, healthier life for me and my family, and also for those who we support,” said Lester. “It promotes good behavior from our neighbors, peers, children, and all those who follow the footsteps of the long Y giving tradition. The time and effort I put in as a board member really does make an impact and lives are truly changed through the work that we do as volunteers. The experiences are something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Learn more about volunteering at the Y.