Tommie Birney
When Tommie Birney first walked into the West YMCA in April, she wasn't just starting a fitness journey. She was taking a leap of faith.
"I knew I was struggling and I needed a change, not only for me, but for my daughter and husband," Tommie shared.
Like many parents, her biggest concern wasn't whether she could stick to a workout routine. It was whether her daughter, Mia, would be okay without her. Mia had rarely been cared for by anyone else, and leaving her in Kid Zone for the first time felt overwhelming.
"The first time I dropped Mia off at Kid Zone, I was a nervous wreck," Tommie recalled. "I stayed by the counter to watch her go through the gate and made sure she would be OK. I checked the TV monitor constantly and didn't feel like I could fully get a workout in."
Everything began to change within that first week. The Kid Zone staff quickly learned Mia's name, greeted their family every time they walked through the doors, and took the time to share updates at pickup. Those simple acts of kindness gave Tommie something she didn't realize she needed: peace of mind.
"I was able to venture out to the track, classes and the weight area because I knew Mia was safe. Just that small communication goes such a long way for a parent," she said. "I have been able to show up in so many more ways for myself and for my family. I was missing out on so many opportunities because I just didn't feel right mentally and physically. The Y has given me a chance to get healthier and stay consistent."
What started as a place to exercise soon became so much more.
Tommie noticed this change: "I have mentally become so much stronger. I genuinely feel joy and happiness that I didn't have a few months ago, which is helping me become a better mom, wife, and friend. I am able to be more present in every aspect of life because working out has given me an outlet and so much more confidence."
Today, Tommie and her husband enjoy "gym dates," something they rarely experienced before since family wasn’t nearby to help with child care. They spend more time together, take family walks and watch Mia confidently run into Kid Zone excited to play with friends.
"The biggest change for me is the impact it has had on my family. We are able to stay accountable together, connect in new ways and spend quality time together,” she said. “Seeing how brave Mia has become has been incredible. No matter which Kid Zone we visit, she walks right in because she knows she's welcomed and cared for."