|
The YMCA We Build People Campaign is an annual community supported effort providing financial assistance for programs and services that enrich lives and create opportunities for everyone.
Join the Gaston County Family YMCA as we instill Christian principles into the lives of present and future generations.
As the largest provider for Afterschool care in Gaston County, we serve about 1,000 children each day, and 40% of those children are only able to attend because of our scholarship program.
Stories of lives impacted by the YMCA are easy to find. There are hosts of stories about:
- Adults who were able to build healthier lifestyles through one one one interaction with YMCA staff, group exercise classes and/or wellness programs,
- Parents who could work without worry-knowing their children were in a safe, nuturing, Christian enviornment because of the YMCA Afterschool program,
- Teenagers who were kept off the street and engaged in positive interaction with responsible role-models,
- Active Older Adults who regained their confidence and newfound place in society through programs designed specificially for them,
- Children who learned how to swim, play sports and character values through their YMCA program scholarships and
- so many more!
Although there are so many stories to be told, in 2010-we are featuring the story of Colton, a moving story about a six year old.
As the mother of a six year old son, Colton, I wanted desperately to provide him with a positive and enriching environment. Being a single parent, and not working due to medical reasons, it is extremely difficult to be able to provide your child with necessities, needless to say luxuries of any type. Additionally, living in a drug infested neighborhood where crime and violence transpired on a daily basis, I could not let Colton play in the yard without being in fear of his life.
I remembered that as a child, my brother and I attended the Central YMCA, and I wanted Colton to experience the good things I remembered from attending the Y. So, seeing that the YMCA was blocks away from my home, I knew this was the environment my son needed to be in where he would participate in positive and wholesome activities that would lead to fond memories in his childhood.
On one rainy day in June, Colton and I decided to visit the YMCA to see if we could get some assistance to become members. The next day, I received a telephone call from the YMCA informing us that Colton was going to receive a full scholarship to attend summer camp, and also assistance to become members. In May 2009, I had knee surgery and was wearing a brace; however, I walked Colton to and from the YMCA every day because he looked forward to camp.
Colton’s experience at the YMCA provided him with outlets and activities he never had, and I thank the YMCA for providing such joy in his life. The YMCA has been a blessing to Colton and I, and what was once a rough trail for us has turned out to be a beautiful walk in the park all because of the Gaston County Family YMCA.
In 2009, through the We Build People Campaign, the
Gaston County Family YMCA provided over $432,000
in financial assistance to over 5000 participants, which
included youth, adults, seniors and families throughout
our community.
To learn more about making a gift, please contact Phyllis Brown or just stop by the YMCA. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
|
