I moved to the area in 2012 and I was looking for a place that my son and I could go together. As a single parent with a four year old at the time, it was important to have child care to work out. I’ve been a member for almost ten years. Early on it provided connection for my son through the child care services, open gym basketball and youth sports. Now ten years later my son and I go to the Y to workout together. I love the opportunity to connect with my family and to meet people in our community. During my time at the YMCA I’ve built relationships with staff and members. It’s been a true gift to connect with others who are interested in their own well-being as well as the health of our community. I volunteer because it provides an opportunity to pay the gifts I have received from others forward. Volunteering fulfills my well-being bucket by contributing time to something that has given so much to me and my family. I give because I believe in supporting the Y’s cause for strengthening our community. For me personally the Y gave me a place to have community as a single parent moving to a new area, it not only benefited me but also my son to be in an environment to learn, grow and thrive. Because of my positive experiences, I want to make contributions that assist our community members in finding a sense of community and opportunities to participate in the many offerings provided by the YMCA. I hope you will join me in giving this year.