Staff Spotlight: Deb Strus
Staff Spotlight: Deb Strus
Everyone in the Greater LaGrange YMCA community knows Deb Strus. She is truly one of a kind and has made a lasting impact on the community through her amazing energy, passion, and commitment to the mission of the Y. They may also be so very familiar with Deb because she does so much for so many. She wears many hats at the Greater LaGrange Y; Program Director, Aquatics Director, Youth and Family Director, Swim instructor, before and after school care provider, bus driver, event planner, community relations, volunteer coordinator, CPR instructor, mentor, nurturer, friend, mother, and grandmother. Deb has just about done it all for the Y. In September after 25 years of wearing many Y hats, she is retiring.
Deb’s Y journey began as a volunteer. She started in the Gym and Swim program with her oldest child, first as a volunteer and then a part time swim instructor. When asked what she liked most when she first started working at the Y, Deb said, “I got a lot of gratification when teaching a child to swim and watching them progress.”
Deb then worked with Y Guides and Princesses as their administrator. Eventually she became the Aquatic Director and Youth and Family Director growing programs such as before/after school and summer camp. Throughout 25 years of truly dedicated service to the Y, Deb has found the most joy in serving the families in the community. She is most proud of growing a safe, fun and successful childcare program. Deb says, “Fulfilling the needs of the families in the community by providing a safe and fun environment for the kids has been my greatest challenge and greatest accomplishment.”
Even into retirement Deb plans on continuing to volunteer and stay involved with Kiwanis and Action Club, two clubs that she holds close to her heart. However Deb is most looking forward to watching her youngest son play basketball for DePaul University in his senior year. As a new grandmother, she is also looking forward to spending time with her grandson.
When asked for tips to living a good life, Deb simply says, “Live life to the fullest.”