Jennifer was a fourth grader who came from a single parent household with limited financial means. Her mother was concerned that her daughter needed to have a safe and structured environment to be in on no-school days. There was nobody at home to watch Jennifer and they could't afford a babysitter. Jennifers mom had mentioned her situation and concern with a friend of hers. Upon hearing the need for school-age childcare, her friend immediately thought of the Winona Y. She told her that the Y offers financial assistance to anyone who qualifies for a scholarship membership or program fee. Jennifers mom called the YMCA and talked to a staff member who listenedto her plight. After meeting with Y staff, Jennifer was given a membership at no cost to them. The membership enables Jennifer to come to the Y on all no school days at no additional charge. Last year there were 22 no school days. Needlesss to say they were thrilled with the membership and knowing that Jennifer is in a sage and fun environment while mom is at work.
George and Mary wanted to join the Y for some time. George suffers from type 2 diabetes and both he and Mary needed to lose weight and get healthy. They wanted there 4 year old son to learn how to swim and participate in many Y activities to help him stay healthy and active. They felt they the Y would offer them all they needed, but they were unable to afford a membership.
George had a good job for a good company in Winona. George was hurt at work and he found that he was not only unable to do his job anymore, but the company was not going to provide him care to get better or give him compensation. He supplemented his income as a real estate agent but the real estate market in Winona had been slow. Mary was a stay at home mom for 4 years, taking jobs here and there to make some extra money.
After doing some research on the YMCA website, Mary discovered that the Y offers financial assistance to help offset the costs of membership and programs. She immediately printed out the form, made copies of the documents needed and wrote a letter explainging her reasons why her family would benefit from the help. She followed up with Program Director Patrick Menton and her request was approved. She was so excited and is now looking forward to all the programs the Y has to offer.
Haylee is a five-year-old girl in our preschool swimming program. Haylee's family needed help in affording swim lessons for her so we offered her swim lessons at $5 per lesson. Haylee loves swim lessons and her great-aunt, who is helping raise her, said she is a different person when she is able to swim. Haylee does better in school, sleeps better and is happier overall. Haylee is a good little swimmer and we hope that some day she will be a member of our swim team.
Trina is a high school sophmore who has been swimming with teh YMCA since she was a preschooler. She was born with Fragile X Syndrom and it affects her coordination. When she started swimming she had to work very hard to pass each level. She persevered and for the past seven years has been a member of our swim team. Trina continues to improve dropping time in her events all season. Trina is a good team mate and always cheers for her team. She is a good role model and always leads by example with her hard work. Hopefully her next swimming step will be in lifegaurd training.
This letter was received from a person who was requesting a YMCA scholarship funds for a membership.
"My name is (omitted) and I am writing in regards to your member scholarship program. I am not doing very well on the financial side and heard that the Y offers financial assistance to people in need. I am a seasonal worker. Due to my life struggles, I have no income but get $200 in food stamps. I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict who has been in recovery for 90 days.
Being a member at the YMCA will be crucial to my recovery. I would like a membership to give me some self esteem. It will make me feel better as a person and give me something to better my life and the life of my family. I currently have visitation rights on weekends with my kids and this would give us a safe and healthy environment to meet and spend quality time together. It will help me to stay clean and sober and become a productive member of society.
I would appreciate it if you would consider my situation and give me a reduction in the price of a membership."