OUR Y SUCCESS STORIES - YOU CAN HELP!

See the Need

If every member of the Downtown Family YMCA gave this year to the Strong Kids Campaign, it would be easy to reach our goal of $125,000. But some are unable to give. That’s why we are asking those who have been blessed with adequate resources to give so others may have better lives.

See the Transformation

At 6’ 3” and 305 pounds, 19-year-old James came to the Y with a lot of shyness and little self-confidence. Despite his discomfort with his new surroundings, James formed a bond with a Y trainer and gained confidence as he began to work out with dedication and perseverance. Over the course of four years, James lost 100 pounds and gained the self-confidence to graduate from college and pursue a law degree.

Brandon, Deundre and Keyuan were homeless and living with their mom and baby sister in a local church when they received day camp scholarships from the Y and the interfaith Homeless Network. Even so, Brandon’s first day at camp got off to a rocky start as he was brought kicking, screaming and cursing to the director’s office. His short time out evolved into a long nap, and when he woke up hungry, he was fed a good meal. Y child care director, Holly Burns learned that the children were sleep deprived and that food was scarce and took steps to make sure that Brandon and his brothers had a nutritious breakfast and lunch every day. They learned to swim in day camp, and best of all, they stopped fighting, stopped cursing, stopped acting out in anger and began living the character traits of the YMCA.

When Michael Johnson’s wife passed away from Marfan Syndrome in 2008, his difficulties looked insurmountable, and his medical bills were enormous. All three of his children have inherited Marfan Syndrome, an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue and disrupts development and function in many parts of the body, most commonly the heart, eyes, blood vessels and skeleton. His middle son, Orion, is also autistic. Y scholarships allowed Tyler and Greta to attend Y summer day camp, and Orion attended YMCA Sunshine Camp for special needs children. With his children in good hands, Michael could work to meet their basic needs. Throughout the year, the family also receives a scholarship for a Y membership, allowing them to share family recreation together at the Y.

The Grace of Giving

Last year, the Downtown Family YMCA helped many, many people like the young man who is now in law school. Because Y members cared, these members’ lives will never be the same. Make a difference in the lives of others through the 2011 Strong Kids Campaign. Contact the Y volunteer who gave you this information or stop by the welcome center at your neighborhood YMCA.