There is no denying that the YMCA of Greater Rochester strives to live out the For All mantra. But when it comes to serving members of all abilities, our Corning Family YMCA has been exceptional in leading the charge.
From the branch’s Sensory Room to supporting the Y’s Guys musical group, the Corning Branch has embraced our core values and FOR ALL Promise in serving members with different abilities. So, it’s only right that the return of Corning’s annual Winter Wonderland Dance coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“The YMCA is For All,” said Jason Nilson, Sr. Program Director at the Corning Family YMCA. “So, not only do we want to be inclusive and invite them in, but we also want to create a connection with everybody that we meet and do programs for. They’re the people we see every day; they mean a lot to us.”
Since 2023, the Corning Branch has partnered with The Y at Watson Woods to host several dances for members of all abilities, with the fifth being 2025’s Winter Wonderland Dance. Nilson also added that his intentionality behind this programming is to take the inspiration he gets from ideas shared with him to inspire others, too.
Heather Robbins, the Corning Y’s Program Staff Associate, started by visiting the branch as a support staff for the members of all abilities. She has since joined the Y staff, playing a crucial role in leading programming.
From arts and craft activities in the Sensory Room to visiting local nursing homes with the Y’s Guys, Robbins has made a concerted effort to connect with this population.
“It means the world to me to see their faces and hear them come up to me and say what a great job we did,” said Robbins. “I love that group.”
Robbins said it means everything to her to lead these programs. She brings nearly 15 years of experience in working with people of different abilities, which fuels the passion she has for her work at the Corning YMCA.
Anita Lentz is uniquely tied to this programming. Not only is she a support staff who visits the Corning Branch, but both of her sons, Shawn and Devin, are also involved in the programming there.
“It’s very rewarding that I get to see both sides,” said Lentz. “I engage with a lot of other people of all abilities, so I really enjoy it. I’ve known a lot of them here for years.”
Kalanna Lester has been a member at the Corning Branch since 2024 and has also gotten involved in this programming, including participating as a member of the Y’s Guys musical group.
Lester said she loves coming to the YMCA, but especially for dances like Spring Fling and the Adult Halloween Party.
“I love dancing with all my friends, and just having a good time,” said Lester. “It’s great to have the good company that we have.”
Overall, Lester is thankful for the Corning YMCA’s staff for all they do for her and her “good company.”
“Jason, Gail and Heather are all a part of our Y’s Guys,” she said. “And they love us so much, they want us to be continuing it for years and years to come at the Y.”
