This Week's Mission Moment
When I walk into the Quincy YMCA I love seeing the member service staff at the front desk, ready to welcome members to the branch. Among this friendly team, you’ll find Maria Maguire. Maria is one of those people who seems to know everyone. As members check-in, she asks how their kids are doing, how their vacations were, and how new jobs are going. She cares about the members and makes them feel welcome from the minute they walk through the door.
Maria is a long-time South Shore YMCA member. Growing up in Quincy, Maria first joined the South Shore YMCA in 1980 after she got married. She came to the Quincy branch to swim while her husband took night classes to finish his degree. Maria quickly became friends with other members. She would have her new friends from the Y over for dinner and even help older members get to doctors’ appointments. Maria shared her love of the Y with her children, bringing them to swim lessons at the Y throughout their childhood. Her daughter, Michelle, worked at the Quincy branch as a lifeguard.
Maria began volunteering at the Y in 1988 as her kids became more active in the Y community. In 2012 Maria started working on our Member Service team, leading to her current position as the Assistant Director of Membership.
“The Y is my family,” says Maria. “When I go to work every day, I feel like I’m coming here to see my friends. I love the sense of community we have here and how much people care about each other. I love helping people and welcoming them to our Y”
Maria’s impact on the South Shore YMCA does not go unnoticed. “Maria demonstrates the passion for her role through her daily interactions with members and serves as a mentor to other employees,” says Katelyn Szafir, Executive Director of the Quincy YMCA. “She is personable and displays her positive character with confidence. Everyone loves Maria!”
"I just love the members," says Maria. "When I was out sick there were so many members who checked in on me. I got cards, Edible Arrangements, and kind words, and it was so encouraging. The members have become friends and I’m thankful for them all.”
Staff members like Maria make our YMCA community a stronger, happier place to be.