YMCA Annual Support Campaign 2009
Your Investment at work...
The South Bay Family YMCA is changing and saving lives on a daily basis. "Now more than ever" - A gift to our YMCA Annual Support Campaign pays countless dividends for the kids, teens, families and seniors in the community who need our help.
A few stories on how the YMCA is making a difference:
A young mom finds out that her son has a congenital heart condition that inhibits his normal growth and causes developmental delays. She needs to work but cannot afford childcare. She comes to the YMCA and asks for our help. The YMCA offers her financial assistance to enroll her child in our Early Enrichment Center. At his next progress report from the San Diego Regional Center, her son achieves remarkable progress in closing his developmental gap. His Mom credits the staff at the YMCA Early Enrichment Center for changing her son's life and for changing her life.
Itzel - a junior in high school wanted to participate in our YMCA Youth & Government Program. Unfortunately her family was experiencing financial hardships and she thought she would have to miss out on the experience she dreamed of. When she told the Teen Director she would not be able to participate because she couldn't afford it, he told her if she really wanted to go, the YMCA would find a way to make it happen. Itzel was able to participate in the YMCA Youth & Government program because of your contributions. She honestly says the opportunity changed her life. It taught her to be confident and believe in herself. She made friends from all over the state and most importantly - it taught her a lot about herself. She says the program helped her figure out her life, and changed her life. Without the contributions and support of our YMCA Campaign, Itzel would not have been able to participate.
A grateful Mother writes... My daughter, Ariana has been a part of the South Bay YMCA at her school site for the last four years. I cannot begin to describe how wonderful this program has been for my daughter, not to mention the comfort level and peace of mind it has given me as a single, full-time working parent, to know she is in good hands and how well she is taken care of. This program is more than just an after school program; it is a place where kids can learn through the diversity of activities, as well as receive help with homework when needed. Needless to say, I am very grateful this was available to us when we needed help and hope it will continue to be there for other kids in the future.
Lucille has been a member of the South Bay Family YMCA since 2005. She joined our YMCA after suffering from pneumonia that put her in the emergency room. Her doctor recommended exercise to help improve her breathing and strength. Lucille lives on a fixed income so paying for a membership was very difficult. Fortunately, her health insurance carrier would pay for her membership through an Active Older Adult program called Silver Sneakers. She found the instructors and other members so wonderful and caring. Since then she was coming at least two times per week without fail which was a great accomplishment for her. Lucille's health was improving and things were going great for her. Then suddenly in January of 2008, her health insurance stopped paying for her membership which again made it difficult for her to afford the membership fees. Since our YMCA promises to help those who lack financial resources, one of her instructors informed Lucille about our YMCA Open Doors Program which provides financial assistance to those in need through funds raised by our Annual Support Campaign. Lucille was able to keep her healthy activities going and looks forward to coming to our Y every day. Lucille explains, "To me the Y is like family (I have no actual family). Anyone who has known me a while knows that what I am doing is a miracle!"