Outgoing and fun, Amy Jahn is busy on the run.

It’s just her nature.

A typical day means connecting people, sharing ideas and offering opportunities for people, young and old, from all walks.

It is her purpose in life, as she best understands it, to bring people and businesses together for the betterment of community. She has become a leader, a warm personality who is willing to extend a gentle hand and encourage others, especially the underprivileged.

She makes the most of each day, any given circumstance.

“Bloom where you’re planted,” Jahn said of her mantra in life. “Have fun with what you do and with what passion you might have.”

For Jahn, a resourceful spoke in the local goodwill and commerce wheel, it means making a difference as a community outreach specialist and business facilitator at the Auburn Valley Y.

For her exemplary efforts, the Auburn Reporter has named Jahn its Person of the Year for 2011.

“I really enjoy working with people,” said Jahn, who has been a part of the Valley Y family since 2005. “I enjoy being of service to the community and very proud to represent the Y.”

It’s a good fit for the multi-tasking Jahn, who helps staff to coordinate a variety of health and wellness programming, resources and support, for all ages. She also has tapped into her business and analytical background to promote ties and gain financial support for vital Y programs, especially now, in a sour economy trying to regain its feet.

The Y’s Partners With Youth Campaign, for instance, has raised financial support for children who otherwise would not be able to afford Y programming. The campaign’s mission is to reach deserving kids in 2012. The Y program bridges the gap to better health, well-being and educational opportunities for thousands of struggling families throughout the Auburn area.

Jahn has been instrumental in obtaining grants to feed other needs within the Y’s scope.

“I have had business people ask me how much can we give you? How can we help your programs?” Jahn said. “To me, that’s just amazing. I’m very appreciative. Businesses have been so supportive of us.”

Jahn’s creative, organized ways have served others, but she understands that she cannot do it alone. She works with a solid crew by her side.

“Amy is outgoing, fun and friendly,” said Wes Gill, Valley Y facility supervisor. “People want to be around her, doing things because she is so organized and fun. People want to be a part of that, of what she’s doing.”

Jahn has played a role in the Y’s established events, like the successful Healthy KidsDay, and has helped usher in new programs, like Sundaes with Santa and the senior social club called Aloha. She also developed a partnership with the City to provide a community swap meet that attracted 600 people.

“Amy’s pretty innovative. She has great ideas,” said Kathleen Edman, Solid Waste Customer Care recycling specialist for the City of Auburn, who worked with Jahn on the project. “She’s an instrumental person, a great person.”

Born in Minnesota, Jahn grew up in Tukwila, graduating from Foster High School. After earning her degree in business finance at Central Washington University, she immediately joined a major bank, where she earned a series of promotions. She was on the fast track, climbing the corporate ladder, while beginning a family with her husband, Richard, a firefighter.

New path in life

But her life abruptly took a detour, her career suddenly put on hold when her son, Michael, was born with Downs Syndrome and a heart abnormality.

“It was hard to give up a career … but life takes different turns,” Jahn said. “It was a new path in my life. I put my skills and energy in a new direction.”

Michael underwent three open-heart surgeries in his first year of life.

“At 10 months, he could not crawl across the floor,” Jahn said. “He was physically challenged. It was difficult.”

Jahn decided to adopt an aggressive, radical physical therapy program to help her son. It required steady stimulation and interaction with others. She invited family, friends and volunteers into her home – as many as “40 people” each week – to work with Michael and his severe disability.

In time, young Michael made significant progress.

Today, at 26, Michael has survived physical setbacks to walk on his own and live partially independent but under the care of an adult family home. He has overcome many obstacles, even graduating from high school, thanks to the support of family and friends.

“My faith has pulled me through it,” Jahn added.

During Michael’s ordeal, Jahn co-founded an outreach group supporting parents of children with Downs Syndrome. The group’s reach has grown regionally.

The Jahn family also includes two daughters, Michelle, 24, and Amber, 19.

Family always has been top priority, but Jahn found time to work various jobs, become an avid volunteer and support her church. She also has established, coached and served as a choreographer for Michelle’s equestrian team. The Jahns care for two quarter horses on a couple of acres in Kent.

Her work, whether it be at the Y or as an award-winning volunteer, personifies the woman.

In 2011, as a member of the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, Jahn was a three-time Ambassador of the Month.

“She’s just a wonderful, warm personality who is willing to share her experience and knowledge and be a part of the community,” said Tonya Clark, Sam’s Club community involvement director and Chamber member. “She brings a very positive outlook, a great attitude and a willingness to learn and adapt.”

“She’s been a wonderful friend and a pleasure to work with.”

The work is rewarding and worthwhile for Jahn, who brings out the best in others with her simple approach.

“I add fun to people’s lives,” she said with a smile.