Member Stories

“When we first moved to Summerville, we were thrilled to find three YMCAs nearby. Our two girls attended the afterschool program, little learners, sports and summer camp over the three and a half years we lived there. The impact these programs and counselors have made on our family is immeasurable. My wife and I knew our girls were in a safe environment that allowed them to grow and learn while instilling positive values and giving our girls a place where they made lasting friendships.”
– Tyler H

“My husband and I are inquiring about membership with the Summerville YMCA. We are both advocates for healthy living and try to instill that in our four children. We are asking for financial assistance with the membership fee due to a lower household income for a family of 6. We have benefited from this program in the past and decided to take a year off. However, we miss the Y! Here is a bit of our story. We moved here from out of state in 2021. At the beginning of the pandemic my husband and I were both laid off from our jobs. When my two older children were both in a full day school, I was able to work at their school as an aid. Then the schools shut their doors in New Jersey in March of 2020. Because of that, I was again laid off, 6 months pregnant with our third child. Finally, after seeing no light at the end of the tunnel in NJ, my husband spent time traveling down the east coast searching for work. God opened a door for him to work with a friend in rental properties, and for our family to be involved with a Church here in Summerville. We officially moved the family here in July of 2021. During our time here, I have been able to receive an associates degree from home in medical billing and coding. I also gave birth to our now one year old daughter. Financially, with new bills, job transitions for my husband, and a couple bad car accidents we have been unable to keep our children in sports consistently. We would love to be able to be a part of the YMCA for the sports for our kids, a pool for them to learn to swim better and a nice facility for me to work out in. I hope you will consider us. Thank you so much!”
– Anonymous scholarship application

“I was doing what any normal 40 year old does…work, kids, laundry, the usual daily grind. Part of that “normalcy” was going to my required annual doctor visit for my health insurance. At that time, my doctor wanted to get a baseline mammogram since I just turned 40. Well that one mammogram turned into numerous biopsies, ultrasounds, MRIs and many other tests all to be diagnosed with breast cancer. At that moment my whole life changed and so did my children’s lives. I am a single mom with 3 kids still living at home These children had to watch me go from a strong, independent caregiver to one that needs a caregiver. It was not only a humbling experience for me, but also a struggle. The Summerville YMCA became an outlet for all of my kids during this time. Emily got to go spend an hour with Matti in her Women on Weights class and just escape the burdens of the house. Gregory was able to go to the fitness center and I could watch him use the machines. I put Sarah in gymnastics to get some of her energy out. The YMCA gave everyone the opportunity to escape the burdens of cancer treatment and concentrate on having a good time for an hour or two. It gave them the respite care they needed to continue this long journey with me. It has now been 2 years since my cancer diagnosis. Gregory and Sarah are still in gymnastics twice a week and Emily is still learning with Matti, and Sarah does the afterschool program. The Y is so much more than just a gym or a class, it is a safe place where people can come and escape the stressors of their daily life.”
– Susan L.

“We are in our second year of being a sponsor for the YMCA… So, in the past we have received assistance because we have 9 children total and 7 in the house right now. We are a very active family and have had 6 children at one time playing a sport at the Y so that can be costly for large families like ours… We have appreciated the YMCA’s stance and desire to help families be a part of their programs and another reason why we so badly wanted to be a partner to help further that mission”
– Pendergrass Family