I’m creating this page because I truly believe in making a difference. The work the YMCA of Greater Louisville does inspires me, and I’m proud to be part of their Annual Campaign to raise money for such an incredible cause. The Y’s efforts are all about helping people in our community, and with your support, we can make an even bigger impact.

I have been working for the YMCA school age child care program for 10 years. In those 10 years I have had hundreds of kids that have came through the program. There are kids that are dropped off early in the morning for before school and later in the evening during after school. These kids and families become a part of your family. I strive to be a positive role model and mentor for these kids so they can have a safe place to go to and someone who will listen to them when they need extra help or support. I had a young man who was 7 years old when I met him. At that time he was in foster care and was having a rough time with behavior. I sat down with him and got to know his story and him as a person. He continued coming to summer camp every year. When he aged out of the summer camp and was moving to our older childcare camp, an opportunity arose for myself to take the director position for that childcare summer program. When this child came to open house and saw that I was still going to be with him, he and his now adoptive parents were so happy that he would have a familiar face with him. Even when the boy was old enough to start staying home he still begged to come to camp to be with the staff and his friends. When he was 13 years old, he reached the childcare camp maximum age to be in the program. On the last day he attended camp when it was time for him to go home, he came up to me to give me a hug and we both cried. I went and gave his mom a hug and she also cried. After summer camp was over and before summer planning started later in the year, I found out that the age limit was raised to 14. As soon as I found out I reached out to that family and the young man was so happy and came back the next summer. He is now wanting to be a camp counselor and work for the ymca because of the positive impact and connection that we made. I still talk to his mom and see how he is doing. Any amount that is donated helps make a difference, here is what the money donated helps the children and families do in the ymca programs.

$50 provides a life-saving skill by teaching a child how to swim and about water safety

$97 allows a family to experience the Y during a difficult time

$150 provides one teen in crisis food and shelter for the night so they don't have to stay on the street

$320 allows 4 children to have a place to go after school for one week that is safe, nurturing and fun

$720 Gives six kids the chance to learn new skills and make friends playing one season of youth sports

$1350 Provides two campers with one week of outdoor experience at YMCA Camp Piomingo

If you could share this page with your friends and family, that would mean the world to me—the more people who know about the Y’s work, the more lives we can touch. Thank you so much for your generosity—it really does make a huge difference!