Real Stories of Giving
The YMCA, as a not-for-profit organization serving the greater Houston area, is committed to transforming the lives of all people we serve. We want to celebrate the positive impact our staff, volunteers and programs have had on your life or the life of someone that is close to you.
"…I had a dream from being young to go to college and become a lawyer, instead I ended up married and had a baby. In which the marriage ended from my ex husband being very abusive. I was on my own again with a child and stayed with family and worked as a waitress ……. I am now working part time at a firm and am going back to school to get my bachelors in order to go to law school .... I am writing this because I need for my daughter to be watched over after school while I am at work or at school. "
"…being a single parent, but not receiving child support. I am just getting back into the work force... I am currently dependent upon others for help with transportation and I essentially can not commit totally to my job without safe, consistent day care for my child. I thank you for this much needed financial assistance and peace of mind for my child’s care after school "
"…It means so much to me to be able to go to the YMCA and meet other people with the same interests outside of my family. As a disabled veteran, it has been hard to find a job and difficult for our family to move forward…I have learned that exercise is good not only for the body but also for the soul. Thank you again. "
"As a single mother of three, I truly appreciate the extra time and effort you made to help make accommodations for my son’s special needs. The scholarship that I received from your organization was a true blessing for me and my three children. I would not have been able to provide excellent childcare...without the scholarship that was awarded to me."
-Xuan-YMCA member
"I am a single mother with two teenage sons to raise on a limited amount of funds. Through the scholarship program my sons are able to attend youth sports, after school, day camp …. ...my children have learned all of the following: sportsmanship, respect for others, socialization and good communication. Finally, because of the program I have somewhere safe for my teenagers to go while I work. Thank you…."
-YMCA member
“When I was laid off from my job in mid August, I thought, ‘ok, this will be tough.’ When my husband was laid off 8 days later, I thought, ‘now what?’ The YMCA was able to offer me a scholarship for my monthly dues and when there is no income every little bit helps! I am using some of my ‘time off’ (while looking for a job) to train for a sprint-triathlon in October. My YMCA membership is now part of my daily routine."
- Membership Participant
“Our medical bills for our son who is diagnosed with PDD and ADHD, and myself with diabetes, are very high. Additionally, my husband was recently laid off from his job. Without the YMCA’s scholarship, we would not be able to provide the social opportunities our son needs to mature. We are grateful for this generous gift!”
-Membership/AfterSchool Partners Recipient
“I bless the YMCA and its family for helping my daughter to be able to take swimming lesson’s this summer with your scholarship program. Her first class was with Daniel, he was so attentive and smiled all the time and was an awesome teacher! Now, she is in a class with Monica who is very patient, kind and a very, very good teacher too! I would love to say thank you so much to Manuel for being so caring and willing to be there when I have questions. I feel my daughter has progressed a lot with her swimming. It has been good for her to lose weight, to meet new friends and to have a challenge to work at something. She loves and even thinks of the lifeguard’s as her true friends. Thank you again, to everyone, for making her feel more confident and loved. We love the YMCA!”
-Swim Lessons Partners Recipient
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