YCON Spotlight - Beth Armstrong

Some people leave behind buildings.

Others leave behind programs.

Beth Armstrong left behind something even more powerful a vision for the young people and families of Washington County.

Beth first became connected to the Washington County Family YMCA through the Youth First of Washington County initiative, created after a community needs assessment revealed that many local youth were missing critical Developmental Assets, the building blocks that help children grow into healthy, confident, and engaged adults.

Youth First was designed to change that.

Through this work, Beth partnered with families, schools, and community leaders to strengthen the 40 Developmental Assets, creating opportunities for young people to build relationships, develop confidence, and feel supported.

One program especially close to Beth’s heart was Afternoons Rock, which she helped lead in county middle schools. It created safe, consistent spaces where teens could connect with peers, build confidence, and form relationships with caring adults.

Beth had a special love for teens. She believed that when young people are given encouragement and meaningful opportunities, they grow into strong leaders who shape their communities for the better.

When Youth First merged with the Washington County Family YMCA, Beth continued that work under The Y's mission of putting Christian principles into practice that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

For Beth, that mission was not just something to say it was something to live.

Through her leadership and daily interactions, she created environments where young people felt seen, supported, and valued.

Her leadership quickly became evident.

Beth stepped into multiple roles within the YMCA, guiding programs, supporting staff, and helping expand the organization’s reach. During a critical time of transition, she stepped forward to serve as Interim CEO, helping lead the organization after the absence of then director Scott Johnson.

She led with humility, steadiness, and a deep commitment to the mission.

Eventually, Beth returned to her roots in agriculture, stepping away from nonprofit work as a career. But her connection to the YMCA did not end there.

She continued serving as a volunteer leader.

Beth joined the Board of Directors and later served as Board President, helping guide the organization’s future and strengthen its impact across Washington County.

She believed deeply that communities are strongest when families and young people are supported.

That belief led her to champion the YMCA’s vision for expansion.

Beth saw the need for spaces where children, teens, and families could gather, grow, and belong. She became a strong advocate for the YMCA’s capital campaign and was slated to serve as Campaign Director for the effort.

Although Beth’s life was cut short, her vision continues to guide the work today.

The Beth Armstrong Y For All Capital Campaign honors her belief that every child and family deserves access to opportunity.

“This campaign carries Beth’s heart,” said Kristy Purlee, Chief Executive Officer. “Beth believed deeply in creating spaces where children and families could grow, belong, and feel supported. Naming this campaign in her honor ensures her vision continues to shape this community for generations to come.”

This expansion will bring more than just childcare to Washington County. It will include an 8,840 square foot gymnasium, a larger group exercise room, and a dedicated Teen Activity Space, creating opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging for people of all ages.

In many ways, the Teen Activity Space reflects the very environments Beth spent years creating for young people through programs like Afternoons Rock.

Her legacy lives on in those spaces and in the lives she impacted.

Family Reflection

Beth’s family remembers her deep faith and unwavering commitment to others:

“Beth believed every child is made in the image of God and that each person has a purpose and a calling. One of her greatest passions was helping children and teens understand that they were created for something meaningful. She wanted them to know that no matter their circumstances, they had support not only from her but from their community.

Beth became a second mom and a trusted mentor to many young people in Washington County. We have been blessed to hear so many stories of lives changed by her love and encouragement. Her legacy lives on in the countless people she poured into during her time here.”

They also reflect on her servant heart and the way she lived out her calling:

“When Beth moved to Washington County, she immediately made it her mission to get involved and serve. Youth First and the YMCA gave her the opportunity to live out that calling. Beth believed in leaving communities and people better than you found them, and to her that meant serving selflessly.

Whether she was encouraging teens at Afternoons Rock or welcoming young people into our home, her love for others was evident in every interaction. It was never about titles or recognition for Beth. She simply wanted to be a good steward of what the Lord had entrusted to her.

While she gave so much to the community, we were also blessed to experience her love at home and on our farm. She taught us to work hard, live with passion, and be a difference maker. Our hope is that the Beth Armstrong Y For All Capital Campaign will continue the mission she cared so deeply about for years to come.”

Why is there “No Place Like This Place?”

The Washington County Family YMCA is shaped by people who believe in the power of community.

Beth Armstrong was one of those people.

Her journey from Youth First leader, to YMCA staff, to Interim CEO, to Board President, to capital campaign champion reflects a life committed to helping young people grow and families thrive.

A Legacy That Continues

Today, the Beth Armstrong Y For All Capital Campaign carries forward the vision she believed in so strongly.

Beth Armstrong believed in building stronger communities by investing in young people.

Today, the spaces being created through the Beth Armstrong Y For All Capital Campaign will continue that work for generations to come.