Your donations to the Y help people and families in your neighborhood. Here are a few area Y spotlight members that your donation helps support.

The McCommons Family appreciates your support!

The McCommons Family is an example of a growing population of grandparents that are helping raise their grandchildren.

They utilize the YMCA of Greater Dayton childcare for their three school-age grandsons.  "When my grandchildren came to live with us the daycare issue became a top priority," Marlene stated. "The YMCA's Strong Kids scholarship helped our family afford quality daycare and allowed us to give the boys a safe and secure environment. Not only did they provide a safe environment, they truly care about the boys...from the beginning, the Y was both understanding and helpful."

Marlene continued, "If it wasn't for scholarship programs like Strong Kids at the YMCA, I don't know where people would turn in times of crisis. It's encouraging to know that there are programs to help those in need."

Meet the Ripberger Family.

From the pool and aerobics to soccer and homeschool gym classes, the Ripberger’s have utilized the Y for over three years.

Kathy says, “I make it to the Y three or four times a week.  My kids love it.  They love going to the childwatch program and look forward to it.  The kids know that we go to the Y because it is important for our physical, mental, and spiritual health.  I can’t imagine not having the option of going to the Y.”

Without assistance from the Y, the Ripberger Family would struggle to maintain their Y membership.  “The Y really has been such a blessing to us,” continues Kathy.  “We have benefitted from the scholarship because without it, we could not do it.  One salary does not allow for many extras.”

Kathy and her family are grateful to the Y donors.  “We are thankful for the generosity of so many members of the Ys in our area.  This economy makes everything a little tighter, every decision to donate a little tougher.  If you are a regular supporter, first I would say thank you!  If you haven’t given and are in a position to, then I encourage you to try it.  You will never know whom you may be helping.  It may be the person on the treadmill right beside you.”

The Beal Family has belonged to the Y since 2007.

“Initially we joined the Y for the youth programs,” says Jeri. “We wanted our kids to take swim lessons and participate on the various teams. Then we started using the fitness portion of the Y.”

Jeri and her husband, Brandon, have both participated in the Move 2 Lose program. To date, Jeri has lost over 100 pounds, ran two half marathons and one full marathon. “I pushed myself like I never have before. My self esteem and self worth have multiplied 100 fold. I could never have done it alone—the trainers, directors and Y members have been a constant support team.”

Without assistance from the Y, the Beal kids wouldn’t have been able to participate in the various sports, including fencing and gymnastics. Jeri states, “We are a typical middle class American family...loving, hard-working and happy. The Y gives us a safe place to share our lives with others. Giving even $5 a month to Strong Kids keeps the Y running and helps every member utilize the Y branches.”

The Beal’s are just one of the thousands of Dayton area families the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign supports.  

The Russell Family joined the Coffman Y in 2001.

Thanks to your support of the Strong Kids Campaign, they are still valued Y members.

“The family atmosphere and programs were two of the main reasons we joined the Y,” says Tina. “Working out, volleyball and swim lessons are programs we participate in regularly.” When financial difficulty struck the family, the Strong Kids Campaign helped the family remain Y members and kept their family healthy.

“Our son, Boston, has a few special needs and swimming lessons have helped tremendously with Boston’s confidence and self-esteem.  Also, my husband, Brian and Boston both have heart problems.  Brian has undergone three open heart surgeries and Boston one.  Exercising at the Y has helped both of them to live a healthier life.  We truly appreciate the Y and it’s family values. If you are looking to support a non-profit, please support the Y!”