As a child, the Y was a safe haven for Nick. After-school programs, basketball games, swim lessons, and summer days at camp gave him joy and a much-needed sense of belonging.
But behind the scenes, life was complicated. Growing up in a home marked by instability and addiction, Nick often escaped on his bike, riding for hours just to clear his head and find space. By age 12, he was already struggling with depression and loneliness. He describes that time as overwhelming—and admits now, “You don’t think about consequences when you’re young and hurting.”
Over the years, Nick battled addiction and the weight of time he felt he’d lost. But deep down, he never gave up on himself. In September of 2021, he made a quiet but courageous decision: to get sober and take a new path forward. This path led him to the South Shore YMCA Emilson branch, ready to take the next step — to not just survive, but live.
Since walking through the doors last year, Nick has lost over 100 pounds. But what matters most isn’t the number. It’s that he’s found a renewed sense of purpose, a stronger connection to himself, and a supportive community cheering him on every step of the way.
When asked what motivates him now, his answer is simple: “Being alive.”
Nick is open about his journey—the ups and downs, the relapses, and the hard days. But through it all, he’s held onto faith, gratitude, and a desire to keep growing. “This world can be ugly,” he says, “but if you look closely, there are messages of love and compassion everywhere.”
Today, Nick calls the South Shore YMCA his place of healing and hope. “This place helped me get my life back,” he shares. “Now, I want to inspire someone else. I want to make someone smile.”
At the South Shore YMCA, our mission states that The Better You Belongs Here. And thanks to the support of our community, people like Nick find the strength to turn the page—and write a new chapter filled with hope.
