The YMCA is a cause close to my heart because I know firsthand that when we help build the physical, intellectual, mental and spiritual wellbeing of each child, teen, family and senior adult, we advance the health of our entire community.

When I was a young single mother putting myself through college, I relied on programs and opportunities such as those provided in our community by the YMCA to provide safe, healthy developmental experiences for my first child. Throughout the years as our family grew, my husband and I, our four children and six grandchildren have benefited from water safety, swimming, camps, sports, fitness and community service programs at the various YMCAs where we have lived across the United States.

Today, I am pleased to serve as chair of the Katy Area YMCA Centers Board, where I can help support the health and wellbeing of other individuals and families and nurture collaborations that ensure our community is a great place for all people to live, work and thrive. I regularly witness and hear of the powerful impact of the YMCAs in my own neighborhood, across Katy and the Greater Houston Area, in our state and across our country and internationally. The YMCA Annual Giving Campaign ensures that everyone in our community has equal access to YMCA programs and resources focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

This past year we provided over $700,000 in community services and program scholarships just in the Katy area so that all our neighbors, no matter what their economic status, can participate in YMCA programs. We helped people of all ages, incomes, interests, backgrounds and ethnicities to learn about safety around water and experience the joy of swimming and aquatics; participate in diverse healthy living and fitness programs and activities; learn, have fun and grow in before, after, and out of school programs and camps, youth sports, STEM and arts enrichment; participate in teen social and leadership development activities; and continue to build friendships and connections through ForeverWell programs for senior adults and a variety of fun recreational activities for families and individuals of all ages.

By supporting our campaign, you are helping us create a stronger community. Together, let's make a lasting impact!