A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Kimberly Lopez

A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Kimberly Lopez

As a longtime member of the Portage Township YMCA (the Y), this week’s Life in the Spotlight, Kimberly Lopez, has always noticed the difference the Y was trying to make in its community. And for two years now, Lopez has been an integral part of this difference, working the front desk and volunteering at the Y in her off-time.

And while the concept of working when you’re technically “off work” seems out of place, Lopez says she’s happy to always be involved in two of her biggest passions: people, and building a better Portage.

“I really love the people who work here and the people that come in,” Lopez told IIMM. “Portage is a great community, but there’s not a lot of places for people just to come together and socialize. It’s nice to have that here.”

Portage and the Y have always been a part of Lopez’s life. Not only has she been a longtime member, but the Y is also where her children, one who is now in college and one who attends Portage High School, went to preschool.

And it’s community programs like the preschool, Lopez adds, that led her to see just what a difference the Portage Y is making, and inspired her to become a part of the team.

“The more I would go to the Y, the more I saw they were trying to expand with different programs and activities. It was one of the reasons I wanted to get even more involved with the Portage Y and it’s nice to see that they’re succeeding in making this difference.”

And any part Lopez can play in helping the Portage Y’s mission to make a difference, Lopez says she is glad to do it for a community she is proud to call home.

“I love Portage, and I always try to stay local and help this community. It’s a calm town, and we have a lot of great people here; it’s just always the place I knew where I wanted to make a living and wanted to call home for me and my family.”

Lopez is thankful for the opportunity to work at a place where their desire to build a better Portage for all of its residents matches hers, and says that whatever she can do help, she will always be there.

“I am just grateful and happy that I can help out the Y and our community. I love to make a difference.”