Kaylee is a first grader who is being raised by her maternal grandparents. She had behavioral problems at home and at school. For a long time, she kept to herself and had low self-esteem and very few friends. That changed soon after she became involved at the Winona Family YMCA.
Kaylee attends the YMCA’s After School ESCAPE and Summer ESCAPE childcare programs. She has made wonderful friends at the Y and her teacher is impressed by how well she is doing academically now that she has tutors at the Y helping her with homework. She also participates in recreational soccer and basketball at the Y. She and her grandfather spend numerous hours at the Y for family night activities.
Her grandparents are grateful for all the support they receive from the YMCA and realize the benefits of the programs that are offered. They have a huge responsibility in raising their granddaughter; without the support of the Y, it would be much more difficult.
The Winona Family YMCA impacts the lives of local children every year through programs and support. The YMCA is a charity committed to building strong kids, strong families, strong families and strong communities.
Jenny's Story
Jenny has been a YMCA member for the last seven years. Jenny has participated in swim lessons, camp and swim team. She has had many ups and odesn over the years but the last two years have been rough for her. Her mom and dad have separated and her dad has issues with alcohol.
Jenny's mom came to me at the Y and needed help keeping Jenny in our swimming program. Jenny is a talented swimmer and has been swimming at the YMCA state meet for the past four years. Her mom was so concerned about Jenny losing touch with her friends and the sport she loves. She also memtioned that Jenny's grades are always better in swim season and seemed to elevate her self-esteem.
I was so glad to help this family out. Since then Jenny was my job shadow for a day and wants to work at a YMCA in aquatics. Jenny is smart and talented and is going to contribute greatly to the community she lives in.
Gloria's Story
When 9 year old Gloria first came to the Y, it was obvious she was on the path for a troubled life. Her home life was clearly to blame. Gloria's mom died from a drug overdose and her dad is in prison for methadone abuse. Gloria currently lives with her grandparents who have custody of her.
The scholarship program at the YMCA has given Gloria and her grandparents a sense of family, a sense of community and a sense of belonging. They can be seen enjoying their time together in the gymnastics, swimming pools and the youth center. At the YMCA, Gloria has been exposed to great people and great programs. Through the financial assistance program at the Winona Family YMCA, Gloria chooses to participate in soccer and basketball. Year after year, Gloria is able to attend teh YMCA camp We-No-Nah, After School Escape and the Summer Escape program, all on scholarship. These programs continue to give Gloria a sense of self, a way to escape her daily pressures, and an opportunity to enjoy life.
Gloria is proof positive that funding to the YMCA scholarship program helps empower kids to transform their lives