Finding Strength, Purpose, and Belonging at the Y
For Dimitri Dimitrov, movement has always been a way of life. A lifelong athlete, Dimitri loved staying active. This was until a life-changing fall left him disabled and unable to walk. Faced with overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges, Dimitri knew one thing for certain: if he stopped moving, he feared he wouldn’t survive.
More than four years ago, Dimitri found a lifeline at the Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA. Through the Y’s Adaptive Fitness program, he discovered not only a path back to movement, but also a trusted partner in YMCA Health & Wellness Director and personal trainer, Charles Warner.
Dimitri recalls how deeply the loss of mobility affected him. He was discouraged and struggling, knowing he could no longer play basketball on his own or swim the way he once did due to limitations with walking and shoulder pain. Yet, he also believed that sports and movement were essential to healing, both physically and mentally.
With that belief in mind, Charles worked alongside Dimitri to reimagine what fitness could look like. He introduced creative, adaptive approaches, such as stationary basketball: simple hoop shooting that allowed Dimitri to stay active while engaging most of his body. What started as a way to regain strength became a source of motivation, confidence, and independence, helping Dimitri with everyday tasks and improving his quality of life.
Over time, the progress was undeniable. Dimitri saw meaningful improvements in his day-to-day health, and so did his doctors. Charles says watching Dimitri’s journey has been incredibly rewarding, noting how far he’s come and how proud he is to see Dimitri thriving as a member of the Y community.
Through the YMCA’s Open Doors Financial Assistance program, Dimitri was also able to access the support he needed during a difficult financial period, ensuring cost was never a barrier to his health or his sense of belonging.
Today, Dimitri describes the Bear-Glasgow Y as a place of gratitude and connection. He speaks of Charles not only as a mentor, but as a friend. Someone who encourages him, supports him, and never lets him feel alone. For Dimitri, that support defines what the YMCA truly represents.
Charles shares that this is exactly why he chose to work at the Y. He wants to impact lives, build community, and help people find health, purpose, and meaning. By ensuring no one feels isolated or forgotten, the YMCA creates a space where individuals like Dimitri can continue to move forward.
As Dimitri says “That’s what people call family. That’s why they say the YMCA is family.”