I’m creating this page because I truly believe in making a difference. The work the YMCA of Greater Louisville does inspires me every single day, and I’m proud to be part of their Annual Campaign to raise money for such an incredible cause. The Y’s mission is centered on strengthening our community, and with your support, we can make an even bigger impact.

I have been working in the YMCA School Age Child Care program for 10 years. In that time, I’ve had hundreds of children come through our program. Many are dropped off early in the morning for before-school care and stay with us again in the afternoon for after-school care. These children and their families truly become part of your own family.

I strive every day to be a positive role model and mentor — someone who provides a safe place and a listening ear when they need extra help or support.

One young man I met was just 7 years old at the time. He was in foster care and struggling with behavior challenges. I took the time to sit down with him and really learn his story. Year after year, he continued coming back to summer camp.

When he aged out of our younger camp and transitioned into our older childcare summer program, I had the opportunity to step into the director position for that program. At open house, when he saw that I would still be there with him, he and his adoptive parents were overwhelmed with happiness knowing he would have a familiar face by his side.

Even when he became old enough to stay home alone, he begged to return to camp just to be with the staff and his friends. At 13, he reached the maximum age for the program. On his last day, he came up to hug me — and we both cried. I hugged his mom, and she cried too.

Later that year, before summer planning began again, I learned the age limit had been raised to 14. I immediately reached out to the family. He was beyond excited to come back for one more summer.

Today, he wants to become a camp counselor and work for the YMCA because of the connection and positive impact he experienced. I still keep in touch with his mom and check in to see how he’s doing. That is the power of the Y.

Every donation — no matter the size — truly makes a difference. Here’s what your gift can do through YMCA programs:

$84 provides a life-saving skill by teaching a child how to swim and about water safety

$165 provides one teen in crisis food and shelter for a night so they don’t have to stay on the street

$170 provides a camper with one week of summer day camp

$360 gives four children a safe, nurturing, and fun place to go after school for one week

$780 gives six kids the opportunity to learn new skills and build friendships during one season of youth sports

$787 provides a camper with one week of outdoor adventure at YMCA Camp Piomingo

If you are able to give, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you can also 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 and support — it truly makes a lasting difference. 💛