Many of the Y stories below are made possible through community support. When you give to the Y, 100% of your gift goes to programs and financial assistance for children, families, and individuals in need. Together, we can close the achievement gap, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide life-changing experiences to families. Help transform lives by Donating today.
Dover YMCA – CJ Ramirez
In 2021, CJ Ramirez was forced to leave his job due to severe injuries following a car accident. CJ had already been dealing with a variety of pre-existing health conditions including nerve damage, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Looking to get his health on track...
Middletown YMCA – Jessica Frederick
Jessica Frederick’s world changed overnight when her cousin passed away suddenly, and she was given custody of her three children...
Camp Tockwogh – Wyatt & Alice
For more than a century, Camp Tockwogh has provided a safe space for kids to learn, make lifelong memories, develop new friendships, and spend time in nature - away from the digital world. For many campers, this is all made possible thanks to financial support through the Open Doors program...
Walnut Street YMCA – Essence Legacy
The Essence Legacy Performing Arts program for youth has provided a safe outlet to area kids since 2016. It’s recently expanded from a Percussion & Drill team, to incorporate Step, Majorette, Color Guard and Cheerleading. A program that started with just 16 participants of drummers and steppers, has grown to 90 performers enrolled within the five groups. ...
Western Family YMCA – Anne & Chuck
Anne Dunlap suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident in 1998, two months after graduating from high school. For years, Anne’s mother looked for places where Anne could have access to physical activity in an inclusive environment. ...
YMCA Livestrong – Olivia
“LIVESTRONG has really been an enhancement to my life.”
LiveSTRONG at the YMCA – KT
"We all help each other. We are a tight knit family now."
YMCA Livestrong – Barbara
“The LiveStrong program is Awesome. It was a lifesaver for me.”
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."