By Gracie Fridy
Each week, in order to have them get to know one another, I have the front desk staff send in a few fun facts about themselves. After reading Cynthia Scott’s heartfelt answers, we just knew our members would appreciate learning more about her. Cynthia has been a huge part of our community since November 2022.
Born at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Cynthia spent most of her formative years in Yuma, Arizona. She then returned to Birmingham after having her daughter, Austin. Since then, Cynthia has worked many jobs before landing at The J, including as a manicurist, nursing for more than 10 years, and even working the front door at B’ham’s storied LGBTQ club, Quest.
Cynthia’s presence has resonated with our members since the very beginning. From her perch at the Welcome Desk you might get a cheeky comment or she might lend you a sympathetic ear. Often it’s both.
“I see love everywhere here,” she says. “Everything seems to be centered in inclusion, community, and responsibility to everyone around us. I feel an obligation to help where I can.”
As a former employee of the Glenn Ireland Developmental Center, she has always been passionate about mental health and loves that we provide spaces for organizations such as Glenwood, United Ability, and CJFS.
Filling a void
One of Cynthia’s favorite parts of her job is getting to see the children who come in for swim lessons and other activities. Her daughter and grandchildren currently live in London, which can be hard for a mother and grandmother who lives so far away. Hearing all of the laughter and seeing the smiles help fill that void.
Cynthia also says that she feels Jewish at heart: “Everyone goes through tragedy, and Jewish people are so overwhelmingly victims of so many tragedies. At the end of the day, they know they will persevere and find love and joy. I identify with that.
“I am able to be part of this community with a shared understanding that the people I work with have my back, and the people I work for [members] — I have their back.
“That sense of community is not something I have experienced anywhere else.”
Gracie is assistant membership director here at The J.