Finding Connection, Strength, and Purpose:

Mary Egan

When Mary’s children left for college, life shifted in a way many parents understand—but few talk about.

“All of a sudden,” she says, “you realize… your kids were your social circle. And then they’re gone, and you think—I don’t have any friends.”

Looking for something new—and encouraged by a friend—Mary joined the Mandell JCC. What she found was far more than a place to exercise.

“It’s really become the center of my social life,” she shares.

Over the years, Mary has built not just one, but several circles of friends through the JCC. There’s the group that gathers for game nights and trips to shows in Hartford. Another formed through swimming meets for breakfast after workouts. And even now, new friendships continue to grow—like a recently formed group that does HIIT training together.

“It’s just… like-minded people,” Mary says. “People who want to stay healthy, stay active, and keep improving themselves.”

That sense of connection has been transformative—not just socially, but emotionally.

It’s something I look forward to,” she says. “Knowing friends will be there often motivates me to come.” But Mary’s story doesn’t stop at friendship. The JCC has also played a powerful role in her health and wellness journey.

In her mid-60s, Mary is navigating the realities of aging—aches, arthritis, and the natural changes that come with time. Through the JCC’s well-rounded fitness and wellness offerings, she’s found ways to feel stronger and more confident in her body.

“I’ve gotten much stronger,” she says. “I’ve been told my overall health is excellent.  Programs like MPower—the JCC’s program for women navigating menopause and beyond—have been especially impactful. Designed for women at a similar stage of life, MPower brings together expert guidance, strength training, and meaningful conversation in a supportive environment.

“It was very comprehensive,” Mary reflects. “Physical health, mental wellness, stress, sleep—it covered everything. And hearing from real experts made such a difference. I never did recovery after my workouts and now, thanks to my trainer Kim, I foam roll and stretch with a strap after each workout.

Just as important, it created a space for shared understanding.

“You realize—you’re not alone. Other people are going through the same things.”

Mary has embraced the JCC’s broader wellness offerings as well, from sound baths to acupuncture to educational lectures. For her, it’s all part of a holistic approach to well-being—body and mind.

And then there’s another layer of connection she didn’t expect.

A self-described lover of history, culture, and world religions, Mary finds deep meaning in the JCC’s cultural programming—from film festivals to lectures to community exhibits celebrating diverse traditions.

Mary feels completely at home at the JCC, even as someone who isn’t Jewish.

“There are so many different people here from so many backgrounds,” she says. “Everyone feels comfortable.”

That openness—combined with high-quality programming and genuine relationships—is what keeps her coming back, year after year.

“You come for one thing,” Mary says with a smile, “and then you realize there’s so much more here.”