Justin Diggs Y Story

Justin used to live in Maryland and one of his fondest memories was playing basketball with his foster father. When Justin made the decision to move to Duluth, he had many struggles while living in the area: not having any friends, no family, no social life, and also struggled with depression. Justin made a point to find a place where he could interact with others that shared similar interests to ease the stress of living in a new area. Thankfully, he discovered the noon ball program offered at the Downtown Duluth Area Family YMCA. It was in this program that Justin found a group of people who he could connect with inside and outside of the building. The program has significantly improved his overall mental health by providing Justin with an environment to be himself, where he could continue to play the game he loved, and maintain a support group that is willing to help him fight the battle of depression.  

This last year, Justin had been working through a divorce and used the YMCA as a place to relax and unwind from a troubling situation that was affecting his mental and financial stability. Justin said that if it wasn’t for his best friends he made at the YMCA, he believes there may have been moments that he would have taken his own life due to struggles he faced during the divorce. Justin said that those same friends have helped him become a better person by assisting him in controlling his anger, handling stressful situations, and giving him purpose (he would lie in bed all day because he felt that he had nothing to do or provide). Justin is thankful for the opportunities the YMCA has provided him and enjoys the safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.