Our Y Success Stories - You Can Help!
See the Need
If every person affected by Y-CAP gave this year to the Strong Kids Campaign, it would be easy to reach our goal of $40,000. But most are unable to give. That's why we are asking those who have been blessed with enough resources to give so others may have better lives.
See the Transformation
Alfred entered Y-CAP with behavioral problems, truancy and academic struggles. Eventually, his alcoholic mother's lack of involvement led to him being discharged from Y-CAP. A year and half later, Alfred walked in the Y-CAP office begging to return. Upon re-entering the program, Alfred worked diligently alongside tutors to bring up his failing grades, and in one grading period, he raised his grades to a B average. He went on to graduate eighth grade on time with honors. Today, Alfred is a Y-CAP's junior staff member.
Roger came to Y-CAP with truancy and academic issues. Raised by a single mother addicted to crack, Roger responded well to the nurturing and academic tutoring at Y-CAP. He soon began to excel. A few months after entering Y-CAP, Roger had no unexcused school absences, was passing all his classes and graduated from Y-CAP.
One of the first Y-CAP graduates, Brian was abusive towards his mentally challenged mother, associated with troublesome peers and defied authority. The vice principal from his school referred Brian to Y-CAP. After one year, Brian was doing his homework with help from tutors and showed respect for authority. Although Brian continued struggling in his relationship with his mother, he learned to be respectful. Today, Brian works in Y-CAP to make a difference in other students'lives.
When Ashley was referred to Y-CAP, she had been expelled from school for numerous fights. As a result, she was behind academically and reading below grade level. A verbally abusive mother and incarcerated father gave Ashley reason to be angry. Upon entering Y-CAP, Ashley was found to need anger management classes through the program. With this help, Ashley learned how to handle anger and disappointment in her life. Within one year, Ashley improved her grades and remained in school without one altercation or suspension. Her successful graduation from the program led Ashley to become junior staff, a position that allows her to tutor and mentor incoming participants.
The Grace of Giving
Last year, Y-CAP YMCA helped 132 young people like Alfred, Roger, Brian and Ashley. Because Y members cared, these members'lives will never be the same. Make a difference in the lives of others by giving to the 2011 Strong Kids Campaign. Contact the Y volunteer who gave you this information or call Joe Smith, Y-CAP Regional Director at 423.400.8472.