As a personal trainer at the YMCA, Coach Julie Potter makes meaningful connections with those with IDD she helps train.
KenCrest recently honored Coach Julie Potter with a Community Champion award during the agency’s annual event held on October 2. This year, a dozen individuals were recognized for their incredible dedication to helping those we support with IDD thrive, and Coach Julie Potter was one of those honored. As a personal trainer at the YMCA, Coach Julie works closely with several individuals with disabilities and encourages them to become not only physically healthy but mentally as well.
Recently, Coach Julie started a Special Needs Adults Social Club at the YMCA to connect those she trains with so they can encourage each other. She also works with several individuals in KenCrest’s Supported Independent Living program, helping them foster a sense of belonging, joy, and wellness.
One individual in particular has truly thrived since he started working with Coach Julie. Her sessions are more than just a time to exercise—they provide stability, structure, and an invaluable sense of community. For many people with disabilities, consistency and routine are critical, and Julie has become a constant, positive presence in this man’s life. Each week, he looks forward to his time with her, eagerly anticipating their training sessions and the care and attention Julie brings to helping him succeed.
At the YMCA, Julie works one-on-one to teach her clients how to safely use exercise equipment and establish a routine that not only promotes physical health but also creates a welcoming environment where they feel comfortable. The YMCA has become a place where they can stay active, build confidence, and connect with the broader community—whether or not Julie is physically there with them. By empowering those she trains with the knowledge and tools to work out independently, Julie is giving them far more than fitness training; she is fostering self-reliance and promoting an inclusive environment where people of all abilities are valued.
But Julie’s impact goes far beyond her weekly training sessions. As the leader of the Special Needs Adults Social Club, she creates spaces for her clients to build friendships and form social connections. The Social Club, which meets monthly, offers participants the opportunity to dance, sing, and enjoy pizza parties—a much-anticipated gathering full of fun, laughter, and camaraderie. Those supported by KenCrest often talk about how much they enjoy these social events and how Julie’s kindness and enthusiasm make them so special. They even encourage others to join the club, eager to share the joy of connecting with friends and having fun in an inclusive environment.
Julie’s warmth and enthusiasm are at the heart of her work, she has a special gift for making exercise and socializing fun, transforming both into activities that her clients look forward to each week. Her ability to balance encouragement and teaching while creating a fun atmosphere has made her a beloved figure in the community.
Julie’s influence extends far beyond her local community, as her expertise and leadership have been recognized nationally. She teaches, leads camps, and creates inclusive programs across the country, harnessing her seemingly endless energy to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to engaging and empowering experiences. She even serves as the “Facilitator of Fun” for Snoop Dogg’s Special Stars, a football league for children and adults with disabilities. This role highlights Julie’s commitment to making sports and recreation accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
KenCrest’s decision to honor Julie Potter with the Community Champion Award reflects the significant positive impact she has made in the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Julie’s work embodies the mission of KenCrest—to support individuals in achieving their fullest potential and living rich, meaningful lives in their communities.
Congratulations to Coach Julie Potter on this well-deserved recognition. KenCrest and the communities she serves are truly fortunate to have someone as talented, compassionate, and dedicated as Julie. We can’t wait to see the continued impact she will have in the future!
