Because Every Family Deserves to Feel They Belong

As a mom, I know how beautiful—and overwhelming—raising children can be. I’m asking you to join me with a $100 donation to the YMCA to help create a community where children can grow, parents can find support, and no family feels alone. If $100 isn’t possible, every gift matters—$25, $10, or whatever you can give helps build a stronger community.

When I became a mom, I wanted the best for my children while also learning how to navigate motherhood. I wanted them to have opportunities to learn, play, make friends, and grow—and I wanted to connect with other parents who understood what I was experiencing.

The YMCA became a special part of that journey.

Through its baby and toddler programs, my children had opportunities to learn and stay engaged while I met other moms experiencing many of the same joys and challenges. These programs helped us build connections and find community during a time when that support meant so much.

The YMCA also offers childcare for parents who need a safe, caring place for their children while they take time for themselves.I know how meaningful it can be for a mother or caregiver who needs time to exercise, work, read, run, or simply take a quiet breath. Knowing that compassionate people are caring for their children can give parents the space to recharge and return to their families feeling supported.

That experience—and learning about the many ways the YMCA serves families—is why becoming a YMCA ambassador means so much to me.

At first, I felt nervous. Asking people for money isn’t comfortable for me. But as I learned more about the YMCA, I realized I wasn’t simply asking people to give money.

I was asking them to invest in families.

The YMCA creates opportunities for children and youth, parents, older adults, cancer survivors, people with different abilities, and many others to connect, learn, grow, and feel that they belong.

As a mother, that’s the kind of community I want my children to grow up in:

A community where a child can discover a dream.

Where a struggling parent doesn’t feel alone.

Where people can receive support without losing their dignity.

Where older adults can find connection instead of loneliness.

And where neighbors look out for one another.

Will you help me create that community?

My goal is to raise $5,000 in honor of the community we are creating and every donation brings us closer. Reaching this goal means helping the YMCA continue creating welcoming spaces, meaningful programs, and essential support for people at every stage of life.

You can help by making a donation today. A gift of $100 can make a meaningful impact, but you don’t have to give that much to make a difference. $50, $25, $10—or any amount you can give—moves us closer to our goal and helps strengthen our community. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this message with someone who may be able to help is another valuable way to support the campaign.

Let’s show our children what we are capable of creating by making a donation today, share this message, and help build a community where every person has a place to belong.

Because every gift says, “You matter. You are supported. You belong here.”