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Lakeisha's story
Lakeisha and her family have been members at the Emerson Family YMCA since March, 2004. After working up the courage, Lakeisha applied for a membership through financial assistance. When assistance was granted, she joined and began an exercise program to improve her health and well-being.
Lakeisha has lost over 75 pounds since joining the YMCA. Encouragement from YMCA staff, sharing personal stories and workout tips with other members helped provide the motivation to keep going. Her self esteem was lifted to the point where she is now enrolled in the nursing program at Florissant Valley Community College. She feels she can do anything now and is not afraid to take a risk.
“Both my children have benefited from our YMCA membership as well,” said Lakeisha. “The socialization at the Y helped boost my daughter’s self-confidence, just like it did mine!” The Y means different things to different people. It’s a place to get fit, to make new friends, to play basketball…to Lakeisha, the Y has been “the rainbow after the storm.”
Everyone’s a Y kid, from the active older adults in aquatics class, to the youngest member of Mommy & Me gymnastics. And they all find what they need at the YMCA—a place to belong, friends who care, the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment.
The YMCA mission is at the heart of all of our programs: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirits, minds and bodies for all. We can only live up to our mission, and truly serve all who need us, with the help of committed and generous donors like you who give to the YMCA Partner Campaign. Your help ensures that no one, of any age, race, gender or ability, will ever be turned away from a YMCA program because they can’t afford it. Your help ensures that every kid can be a Y kid. Please consider a gift today.
How does my gift help?
- $1,000
Enables a child or adult with disabilities to participate in YMCA programs with extra support through the Inclusion Services program, where they discover their own strength and build self esteem.
- $250
Helps a teen build leadership skills and self-esteem in the YMCA Teen Leaders Club, where they will participate in community service projects and teambuilding activities.
- $100
Helps cover the cost of safe, quality care for a child in one of the YMCA’s many preschool, child care or day camp programs, ensuring that no child is home alone.
- $50
Provides Arthritis Aquatics classes for an older adult, increasing mobility and offering fun and fellowship.
For more information, please contact Kelly Millington at the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, (314) 436-1177, or your local YMCA branch.
