A Decade of Difference: What Carrie Pasquale Built at The Y
The Y’s “Week of Giving” just ended, and it made me reflect on what it really means to invest in a community.
On its website, The Y describes itself as a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to strengthen community. It’s where youth are nurtured, healthy living is encouraged, and a sense of social responsibility is shared.
Over the years, I’ve seen that vision become real in many ways. For me, a lot of it comes down to one person: Carrie Pasquale.
When I first joined the Forsyth County Family YMCA, I was new, unsure, and just trying to find my place. Carrie changed that right away. She made sure everyone felt seen, welcomed, and encouraged, regardless of fitness level or background. Because of her, the Y became more than just a place to work out; it felt like a second home. (See post “Two Years Strong: We Can Do Hard Things” and “Bring Back You: Building Strength, Rebuilding Self”)
Over time, I realized I wasn’t the only one who felt this way. She worked intentionally to create that kind of environment for everyone. More than just leading inspiring classes, Carrie built a real sense of community. She encouraged people to give back by supporting The Place, a non-profit empowering people in our county, by bringing people together at cultural events, and showing that connection matters just as much as physical health.
One moment I remember well is when she helped connect two members. One needed a ride, and the other drove nearby. That simple introduction led to a carpool and a lasting friendship. That’s who Carrie is: someone who notices what people need and quietly brings them together.
She also supported me personally. When the jury selected my artwork for an Arts Alpharetta exhibit, I was hesitant to share the news. Carrie wasn’t. She encouraged me, told others, and even came to the show herself. Honestly, she touched my heart, and because of her, I felt more confident and more connected to both The Y and the local arts community.
Carrie was a cornerstone of the Forsyth County Family YMCA for ten years.
That’s why what happened next was so difficult for me to understand.
After a serious injury and a long recovery, she was told by email that her job had ended. I understand that the YMCA is a business and that difficult decisions are sometimes necessary, but it was hard to reconcile that kind of ending with the organization's values. Many of us would have welcomed the opportunity to celebrate her ten years of service and thank her for everything she gave to our community.
Even after she could no longer teach, Carrie continued to come to The Y, committed to her health and encouraging others simply by being present. Later, though, her presence was misunderstood, and she was no longer allowed to return. I was there that day, and what I witnessed reflected the same integrity she has always shown.
This brings me back to my question: what does it really mean to invest in a community?
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta lists its core values as Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Carrie has lived those values every day I’ve known her. Sometimes, it’s the people who show us what those words really mean.
