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

I like the YMCA because after I finish homework I get to play. I also like the YMCA because at play time outside we sometimes play baseball.

Christina Kollias
BENSON FAMILY YMCA

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

Some reasons why I like the Y are that they have good games and nice teachers. We also got to play outside football. Some more reasons are that all my friends are here and that is why I like the Y.

Nicole Herbert
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 always enjoyed working with children. I came to the Y with intentions to further my career working with children. Every day at the Y I learn new experiences and get to see a different side to kids out of a classroom setting. I have always been blessed to have the opportunity to work with an amazing and caring staff at Smith.

Amy Trejo
SMITH FAMILY YMCA

I've worked here for almost 15 years, having had the opportunity to work throughout the various communities that we serve. Along the way my son has became a participant in the Y, both at child care and resident camp. My son looks forward to his camp experience each year and achieving the goals that he set while he was up there the previous year. He always feel accepted when he is there.

Jimmi Jett
AFTERSCHOOL CARE - LAGUNA NIGUEL FAMILY YMCA

I always liked the YMCA because they are kind and there are a lot of friends that are kind and respect each other. The YMCA is a great place to do homework. Also you can go to field trips with friends. My name is Maury and I've been in this program for two years and four months.

Nikki Ware
AFTERSCHOOL CARE

My son would come home do his homework, play, eat dinner and go to sleep. This all was a routine for awhile. We would assist him with his homework, play with him and give him all the attention he needed, but there was something missing. Being the only son is not easy. I heard about the YMCA from a parent at Mariners who told me about the great staff assistance and plans for the kids that were provided. I encouraged my son to attend out of curiosity, and a week into the program there was a sparkle in his eyes that was missing. I finally realized that he needed that companionship that only friendship can deliver. He would get sad when he left, but excited for what tomorrow will bring. He now goes to middle school with his YMCA friends, so I'm glad I decided to enroll him and thank you to all the teachers and everyone at the YMCA for your help!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Duellia
MARINERS FAMILY YMCA

When I was younger I went to day care afterschool. I enjoyed it and really bonded with some of the leaders. I even thought to myself that being a leader myself would be such a fun job. When I turned 20 I lived right across the street from a YMCA child care. I put in my application, got hired and been with the YMCA 9 years after that. Working here had helped me to grow personally. I love how I can have a job that helps families and children grow up in a safe and fun environment. The YMCA has always let me be creative with my ideas and I could not be happier with my job.

Jenna Freemon
WAGON WHEEL FAMILY YMCA