Years ago I had a little boy in the program named Garrett Ewald, now called Garrett Ryan. He was a bright and funny child. He was caring and very respectful; he also really loved the YMCA. He ended up moving to the Peterson program where he grew to enjoy the YMCA even more through the years. He occasionally acted in small roles, commercials, and photo shoots, and he would always tell Tomia and me about these great opportunities. He is now going into the 7th grade, and came to visit Peterson and Moffett YMCA today to announce that he has a leading role playing Judy's best friend in the new Judy Moody move coming out tomorrow. He wanted to thank the Y and tell us how much he enjoyed his time here...refusing to say who was his favorite, Moffett or Peterson, ëcause you know I asked. :) Although he wanted to come and say thanks for all the support, he was kind enough to bring a movie booklet and sign autographs for all the kids at both sites.

Anonymous
MOFFET FAMILY YMCA

The YMCA is a great place to work because my daughter is welcomed in the Kid Zone. It's a big family and everyone is so nice to me and Loren. I normally have trouble making friends; I haven't made a true good friend in several years but after a month of working at the Y, I have made more friends than ever. They are just not friends, they're family!!!!

Andrea Vigil
AFTERSCHOOL CARE - MISSION VIEJO FAMILY YMCA

I love the Y because I love playing football with my friends and I love how fun the Y is. I love the half nighters and clubs. I like how much they care about us and how they take care of us afterschool.

James
CONCORDIA FAMILY YMCA

My favorite thing I've ever done at the Y is when we had the Monster Inc. movie night because we (me and my friend Layla) got to bake things and sell them at the movie night. It was really fun to bake things and sell them. It was also pretty cool because I got to keep the left over goods.

Alannah Meijia
AFTERSCHOOL CARE

What the Y means to me is safety, helping, giving, and caring. The Y to me is like a family. They provide food, help with homework if you need it and they have stuff that you can play with. When I come to the Y it's like I'm, at home but I'm really not at home. They will help you when someone bothers you. At the Y you can make friends easily. They have Y Arts and Craft projects and books. If you get hurt they will help you. Sometimes they will put on movies. They also give you extra stuff like Root Beer floats and etc. And if your parents can watch and if you don't like your baby sister you can come here but if you like them you don't have to come. The Y means a lot to me because if there wasn't the Y and a bully is coming at you you can run inside that what the Y means to me.

Devonte Boos
AFTERSCHOOL CARE

The YMCA is so fun. I'm talking about the middle school YMCA. We go to the beach and talk and do stuff. We are cool and we can have the Wii and Xbox 360. The leaders are the best because they listen to you. You can do projects, watch movies, play games and come up with funny stuff. I think the YMCA is so fun!!

Katya
AFTERSCHOOL CARE

I have worked for the Y for over 3 years and just joined the YMCA of OC a couple of months ago. The Y is a place for kids and their families to make new friends and create strong relationships with staff. As an afterschool care teacher I have had the opportunity to help mentor and get to know so many amazing children. I'm hoping to be someone the children can look up to. I have also learned from each child and his/her unique family. The Y is a place to learn, grow, discover, share, and socialize.

Alicia Brower
SMITH/EADER FAMILY YMCA

The Y has taught me a lot. By having elections for a Y president, I had a chance to know how it feels like to give speeches in front of people because I ran for President. Now I'm confident enough to run for president at my school. Oh and now I love public speaking. That's only one thing the Y has taught me though.

Jordan Werkmeister
AFTERSCHOOL CARE

I love the YMCA because it's fun and they help us with our homework. I also like it because we go to free play and do crafts. My name is Leslie Villamil, I'm 9 years old and I've been with the YMCA for four years.

Leslie Villamil
AFTERSCHOOL CARE

The YMCA is awesome because we get to play games and make stuff! I love to play games at the YMCA, the yard is cool and I could stay there all day. I like playing the Wii and pool.

Kyle
CONCORDIA FAMILY YMCA