What We Hand Forward: A Letter from Our Life Board

150 years of the YMCA of Greater Seattle

A letter from the Y Life Board |  Published August 7, 2026

The Life Board of the YMCA of Greater Seattle is made up of emeritus leaders who have given decades to this organization. Among them is Cindy Sonstelie, the first woman to chair the Y’s board. To mark the 150th anniversary, they wrote to the generations of Y leaders still to come. Their letter appears here in full.

As members of the Y’s Life Board of emeritus leaders, we are proud to add our voices to the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s 150th anniversary celebration. We are honored to be part of the unbroken chain of civic leaders who have devoted themselves to the Y’s mission since Seattle’s earliest years.

When Dexter Horton, Roland Denny and Catherine Maynard met on August 7, 1876, to sign the founding documents for the YMCA of Greater Seattle, never could they have imagined the generations they would inspire and the many ways the Y would grow to serve our community. Thanks to their vision, the Y has touched millions of lives during its 150 years. Whether it is a new friend, a kind word, a warm meal, a place to sleep, better health, learning to swim, or simply a feeling of belonging, the Y has been and will continue to be there for all.

We offer our deepest gratitude to the countless Y staff members, volunteers, donors, members, participants, and partners who together comprise the Y’s 150-year past and its future.

Looking ahead, we believe the Y’s work will continue to grow in importance. We have asked ourselves what wisdom we might share with the next generation of Y leaders, both as part of the 150th celebration’s storytelling and to help inform future decision making. After much reflection, we offer these five thoughts.

1. The Y’s success is rooted in the values and beliefs that guide its work for all, especially in challenging times.

While the words have evolved over time, the basic principles of caring and respect for every member of our community, and a belief in our responsibility to help give everyone a fair chance in life, endure. The evolution from Young Men’s Christian Association to a broad focus on mind, body, and spirit encompasses everyone in our community, regardless of age, gender, or spiritual inclinations. As members of one human family, we are called to love and care for one another.

2. Excellence in leadership and governance is paramount to achieving the Y’s mission for all in a constantly changing world.

The Y must continue to attract the community’s best minds and leaders, seeking always to ensure representation from all segments of the community. In its ethics and practices, the Y’s board and leadership should always strive to meet the highest non-profit standards.

3. The Y’s work must constantly evolve to meet the changing needs and demographics of the community.

The Y must always have the courage and ability to shift its focus to meet new and emerging needs, whatever they may be.

4. Innovation in programs, services, and internal capabilities is vital to accomplishing the Y’s mission for all.

The Y has a remarkable record of success in pioneering new programs, roles, and systems to tackle some of the region’s toughest challenges. The willingness to take calculated risks should remain an important part of the Y’s strategy and culture.

5. Support each Y branch and program center with the flexibility to meet the unique needs of the community it serves.

Experience has given us a deep appreciation for the beauty and uniqueness of each Y branch and program center, including the Social Impact Center and the Camp & Outdoor Leadership Center, and the communities they serve. The strength of the Y model lies in balancing the ability of each branch and center to respond to the unique needs of those it serves, while working together to achieve the greatest good for everyone in our region.

To future generations of Y leaders, we offer our deepest gratitude for following in our footsteps while blazing new trails to a sustainable future, and our best wishes for success in building a community where everyone has the opportunity to realize their fullest potential in life.

Cindy Sonstelie, Jane Lewis, and Tom Hull
Co-Chairs of the YMCA of Greater Seattle Life Board