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Jayme’s journey

There was a time, not long ago, when Jayme couldn’t take a single step. After battling COVID in January 2024, she was diagnosed with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) - a rare disorder that attacked her nerves and left her paralyzed and in pain. Overnight, she went from raising two kids and working 60 hours a week to relying on others for even the simplest tasks.

But Jayme refused to give up. With her parents and two sons by her side, she was determined to teach herself how to walk again. When she learned about Greater Midland Community Center’s accessible pool ramp, everything changed.

“My first day in the water, my dad helped me in. I broke down emotionally,” she recalls. “I never thought I’d be able to do that again.”

From there, the Community Center became the heart of Jayme’s recovery. She used the Center’s kickboards and noodles to retrain her legs in the water. With her dad coaching her and her family and the Community Center staff cheering her on, those first small movements became steps - first on the pool ramp, then on the indoor track with a walker and eventually up the Wellness Center stairs.

Jayme notes how the Community Center’s accessibility amenities were key to her healing journey, saying, “Everything from the accessible changing rooms to the pool ramp, to the ramps in the parking lot and handicap parking, to the elevator to go up to the workout center - the Community Center is very accessible for people who are in need and has meant the world to my family. Without this in our community, people would be lost. I wish more people would take advantage of it.”

Most importantly, her membership gave her back the freedom she thought she’d lost forever.

“It’s given me the ability to go to my kids’ school functions, where last year at this time I was completely in a wheelchair. My membership has been everything to me because it’s given me my freedom back.”

Today, every time Jayme walks the track or climbs the stairs, she hears the cheers of staff and members who know her journey - and she remembers how far she’s come.

Beyond these offerings, what truly makes the Center special for their family is the relationships they’ve built along the way. Staff members—from the front desk to Summer Camp counselors and childcare teachers—create a welcoming environment where families feel seen, supported, and encouraged to get involved. “They’re always asking, ‘How are you doing? Is there something you need?” Taylor shared. “It’s amazing to always have someone who will reach out.”

She continued, “They go above and beyond in what they do. If they don’t know how to help you, they’ll find out and guide you in the right direction.” That dedication became especially clear when one of Taylor’s relatives struggled to make ends meet during the holiday season. The North Family Center staff connected him with the Coleman Family Center resources, ensuring he could receive support closer to home. Taylor and Lucas are excited about the Center’s expanding programs, including Nerf Nights and birthday parties, which bring even more opportunities for children and families to connect and grow. “The Greater Midland North Family Center provides great resources for people who live out in the country without having to drive all the way into town,” Taylor said. “We would love to see the facility and its services keep growing!”

from strangers to neighbors

During Greater Midland's trip to Mackinac Island’s Lilac Festival, Brenda and Mary Anne stepped onto the bus as strangers but returned as dearest friends. It all began with a simple decision: both Brenda and Mary Anne signed up for the trip as solo travelers. Though they had both been on Greater Midland trips before, something special happened this time. The trip leader asked if they would sit together on the bus, and that single question sparked a new and lasting friendship. 

What started as a friendly conversation to pass the time quickly blossomed into a deep and genuine connection. As they chatted all the way to the island and back, they discovered they were actually neighbors! By the end of the trip, they were no longer strangers—they were neighbors and friends. 

Mary Anne, a proud SilverSneakers member at the Community Center, shared her love for the center and everything it offers. Hearing Mary Anne's stories and experiencing the sense of community during the trip piqued Brenda's interest. Soon after, she decided to join SilverSneakers and the Community Center herself. 

Now, Brenda and Mary Anne regularly come to the Community Center together. They play pickleball, attend SilverSneakers fitness classes, and continue to build their friendship and strengthen their bond. Brenda is quick to share her enthusiasm, declaring that the Greater Midland Community Center is "the best Community Center ever!" Mary Anne echoes that sentiment, adding, "There is so much to do and so many ways to connect with others!" 

Their experience has inspired them to encourage others to step out of their comfort zones. "You won't be alone for long!" says Mary Anne, who believes the Community Center is the perfect place to meet new people. "There is so much variety and plenty to do, whatever your interest—whether it’s pickleball, water aerobics, or Zumba—you'll find something you love and meet people who love it too!" 

Brenda and Mary Anne’s story is just one example of the connections that the Greater Midland Community Center helps to create every day. It’s a place where strangers become friends, and friendships blossom into something truly special. We invite everyone to come by the Community Center, where there’s always an opportunity to connect, stay active, and build lasting friendships.