Nerestant Story

Jon RuprechtMission

“The Y is more than just sports for us, it means everything to us.”

That’s how Himler and Rebecca Nerestant describe their love of the Y. Busy parents of four children ages two to eight and guardians to three teenagers, they are frequent visitors, enjoying multiple programs and services. You name it, they’ve tried it: youth sports, taekwondo, swimming lessons, kid zone, playing basketball in the gym, cardio workouts and weights.

Prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Rebecca and Himler were even able to have some occasional Saturday “date mornings” where they could work out, walk around the track or play ping pong while their children enjoyed the kid zone.

Grounded in their Christian faith, Himler and Rebecca also appreciate the mission of the Y. Himler, Ezekiel, 8, and Gideon, 6, typically rise two mornings a week to read the Bible prior to heading to the Y to shoot hoops – at 6 a.m.! “The Bible is our foundation and guides as we make our decisions throughout the day,” Himler shares. He also enjoys a Bible study with friends at the Y.

Members since 2018, the Nerestant’s also receive a scholarship which helps to cover a portion of their membership and program fees.

“Without the scholarship, our kids would not be able to live the full athletic lives they are experiencing. The Y allows us to help them explore so many options,” Himler says.

The Nerestants believe that their time together at the Y shapes and solidifies their family’s foundation. Rebeccca warmly says, “The Y helps us to form solid memories as a family that our children will carry into their adulthood.”