March is designated as Women’s History Month to honor women’s contributions in American history. Long before women had the right to vote, women were the unsung heroes behind our Y, assembling and organizing fundraising activities to cover the costs of running Y programs to keep young men healthy, fit, and out of trouble. By 1932, women and girls became fully integrated into the daily life of the Quincy Y as members, and in 1955, a “new” Quincy Y was built to serve both men and women. Mabel Swenson and Emma Tousant became the first women elected to the board, and we were honored to have Dr. Emma Tousant as the first female Board Chair to serve in any YMCA in the United States.
Today, the South Shore YMCA serves over 40,000 members, and women play major leadership roles across every department. Our mission, “The Better You Belongs Here,” stands to ensure every person is welcome at our Y to improve their life in spirit, mind, and body.
One woman who has lived that mission with heart and soul for 26 years is Kathy Quigley, Development Director, who will retire from our Y at the end of this month.
Kathy came to our Y in 1999 as the Director of the Germantown Neighborhood Center when it merged with the South Shore YMCA. The center offers vital programs and services to local residents, including the South Shore Y’s food pantry that serves over 4,000 people a year, vibrant after-school programs, teaching kitchens and gardens, and more. For years, Kathy was the center’s beating heart.
During her tenure, Kathy has worked passionately to ensure every child and family has what they need to not just survive but thrive, especially those facing challenges of poverty and domestic violence. An extraordinary connector, Kathy has built bridges and forged lasting relationships between donors, volunteers, support organizations, government officials, and anyone else necessary to give all kids – especially those in Germantown – access to safe after-school programs, summer camp, mentorship, job opportunities, healthy meals, education, and more.
Kathy always understood that serving the community goes beyond the basics, and she has worked even harder to give people the “extras” in life to bring joy, a sense of belonging, and hope for a brighter future. Working closely with donors, the City of Quincy, and partners like Rodman for Kids, Kathy has organized celebrations and field trips for kids to enjoy Red Sox games, beach excursions, matinees at Boston theaters, carnivals, and more. Through Hope for the Holidays, she worked to ensure that thousands of children had toys, meals and warm clothes during the holidays. At the Neighborhood Center, she always made sure there were dinners, shows, and festivities planned that brough neighbors together to feel proud about their community and themselves.
Fundraising was not something Kathy ever thought she would do as a career, but she sees it as a true gift, an opportunity to change a person’s life forever. Nobody can say “no” to Kathy, because she asks genuinely from the heart, and she knows the direct impact the Y can have on kids and families who are in crisis to help them see a brighter future. Countless Quincy residents credit Kathy’s support and guidance for helping them find their path to success in life. For them, the Y was there at a major low point in life, providing a path to move forward: to further their education, to join the military, to believe in themselves to launch a career, to find safe childcare, to feed their families, or to move out of the neighborhood to fulfill their dreams and give back to others.
As one young man from Quincy, now a State Trooper, told us, “If it weren’t for Kathy Quigley, I would be in jail…or dead.”
There are hundreds, maybe thousands of stories like this from people whose lives were touched by Kathy Quigley’s goodness. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for years to come.
As we celebrate Kathy’s remarkable career and her unwavering dedication to the South Shore YMCA, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on a community. Kathy’s work has not only transformed lives but has also strengthened the very fabric of our Y. Her legacy is a testament to the power of compassion, commitment, and community.
Kathy, thank you for your 26 years of service, for your heart, and for your relentless pursuit of a better future for all. You have set a standard of excellence that will inspire us for generations. We wish you all the best in your retirement, knowing that your spirit will always be a part of the South Shore YMCA.
Paul J. Gorman
Chief Executive Officer
South Shore YMCA
