YMCA Shayla Boys

Shayla, a single mom, says the Y embodies the warmth of a family and helped her during a difficult time. “The Y was more than just a facility to us, it was our escape.” Shayla and her children found new activities to try and gained new friendships with other families...

Barbara Monaghan

Three years ago, Barbara Monaghan developed cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy. While going through treatments, a drug interaction and a complication caused a breakdown in her muscles that resulted in her becoming paralyzed from head-to-toe. Barbara was told that she would be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life...

Michael and Melissa

"My children, Michael and Melissa, beg me every summer to let them go back to Camp Tockwogh because they have a blast and make nice friends. Raising my children as a single mother has been difficult... Camp Tockwogh provides a safe environment for Michael and Melissa and it brings me peace of mind because I know they are being cared for and are having fun with friends."

Susan Reazor

Susan and her husband Jason have three children who have all been diagnosed with a clinically mild form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a condition characterized by fragile and brittle bones that can break easily. To help combat OI, they joined the Western Family YMCA where her sons could strengthen their bodies in a zero-entry pool...

Kerri Kersey

“The Y has truly changed our lives. Watching how much the girls have changed, grown and learned since we started coming here is amazing and fulfilling. I’m improving myself as well and I’m at the Y practically every day. I’ve developed friendships. I’m eating healthier and I’m teaching my girls how to make smart choices too. I needed help, I asked for help, and I got help..."

Ronnie Felton

Ronnie spent many years walking around different neighborhoods as a Postman. In 2010, he underwent surgery for a knee implant that led to complications. Although Ronnie eventually became an amputee, he started going to the YMCA every day with financial assistance made possible through our Annual Campaign...

Miles Evans

Miles Evans says the YMCA Black Achievers program changed his life. “To be quite honest, it did not sound very appealing to wake up every Saturday morning when I could have been sleeping in, but I took my chances and attended with my older brother, Malcolm. That was one of the best decisions I have ever made...

Nicole Kennedy

Social Anxiety created problems for Nicole as she moved throughout school and it became more and more difficult for her to find her voice. In the sixth grade, Nicole joined the Youth In Government program. Today, she acknowledges that her involvement in Youth In Government was one of the best decisions she made in life...

Tracey Walls

When Tracey Walls first joined the Western Family YMCA, she was not in a good place. Several of Tracey’s family members were dealing with serious health issues, the family business was taking a financial hit, her son's college tuition started to add up and Tracey’s father unexpectedly passed away...

Travis Nock

Travis who has limited mobility in his legs started looking for a place where he could exercise. Specifically, he wanted to be able to practice basketball in a gym and use a hand-cycle for cardio workouts. He called numerous places in Sussex County, but he was unable to find what he needed until he visited the Sussex Family YMCA...

Keri Edwards

Keri has been a long time member of the YMCA of Delaware, participating in programs such as soccer, day camp and Youth in Government, a mock-legislative program that helps teens develop confidence, practice leadership and learn civic responsibility...

Jayce

In describing the role that the Y played in her family, Jayce Leon uses the word “essential.” In 2014 the Leon family moved to Delaware because of Luis Leon’s job with the Air Force. Just a few years later, Jayce was diagnosed with breast cancer. She completed most of her treatment while Luis was deployed...