Behind every strong YMCA is a dedicated group of leaders who give their time, insight, and passion to move our mission forward. Our volunteer board members at the YMCA of Central Kentucky play a vital role in shaping our impact, helping ensure that we continue to remove barriers, strengthen community, and serve all.
We’re grateful for their leadership and commitment, and excited to introduce you to their own Y stories and the reasons they choose to invest in the Y.
Name: Diane Cashen
Board Service: High Street YMCA Advisory Board
Three words you think of when you think of the Y: Community, Outreach, Fitness
What is one thing about the Y you wish everyone knew about or could experience?
The sense of belonging and of togetherness.
Your favorite/current book, movie, podcast, or workout.
My favorite workout is Shelly’s Sunday strength class.
When I'm not working or volunteering for the Y, you can find me:
Working out.
What inspires me to donate to the YMCA:
The comprehensive services the Y provides that support families throughout Lexington.
My Y story/ my “why”:
Two recent things set the YMCA apart from other agencies:
1. During COVID, the Y opened for school children so they could access devices and free Wi-Fi to be able to return to participation in their public education.
2. Recently, a staff member at High Street lost a beloved family member. The staff put out 3x5 index cards and invited members to send him condolences. As I filled mine out, the pile was already more than an inch thick.
And I now have my own personal Y story with my catastrophic knee injury in 2025, the extensive surgery to repair it, and the 12-month road to full recovery. The YMCA had me at peak fitness before the accident and was the place where I maintained quad strength in preparation for surgery. Both my surgeon and physical therapist have cited my fitness level as key to my recovery.
As I began the long process of therapeutic exercises, the Y had everything I needed: stretch tables and bands, and as I got more able, recumbent bikes, rowers and leg machines. More than the facility was the friends I've made through my classes that helped me persevere and kept encouraging me along the way. Even before I had surgery, they had a little party to wish me well and sent me group cards and texted me pictures from class. During the first weeks after surgery, I kept those items at my bedside.
Even the first several times I came back to the Y, I was amazed at the expertise and sensitivity shown to me as I gingerly and sometimes painfully attempted my therapeutic exercises. The care, concern and warmth as they welcomed me back is something I will never forget. I am also grateful to now return as a fully able member of most of the classes I was in before my accident. The instructors and
friends have been very enthusiastic in celebrating having me back with them. The YMCA has something special for everyone at every stage of life.
There is no other place like the YMCA.
