I have been with the "Y" for exactly 1 year now. It has been my second family. Although I commute almost 2 hours and fight horrible traffic every morning, I wake up in the morning looking forward to a new and challenging day at work. I love being the Assistant Director because I get the best of both worlds. It's a balance of administrative work and time with the kids which is why we are all here right?

Mary - YMCA Employee
AFTERSCHOOL CARE

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

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

My Y story, my favorite experience at the Y is when we went to the movies during the summer because I liked watching the movie. When we got to the movies I couldn't wait to see Despicable Me.

Dylan Spaulding
AFTERSCHOOL CARE

Dear YMCA Staff, what I like about the YMCA is that we can do all sorts of things, especially coloring because I love it so much. When the YMCA staff is here cleaning we are at home playing, especially Ms. Dana she has to buy everything for us. Even though the YMCA has a lot of rules it's the best place to be.

Julia Cesana
SEACLIFF FAMILY YMCA

Why I go to the Y is because all my friends go, and during the summer we go to the movies and play football. We go outside a lot. Another reason I like the Y is because they serve awesome snacks.

Sam
Don Juan Avila Middle School Family YMCA

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

My Y story is when I went to Knott's Berry Farm with the YMCA. It was super fun and I lost track of time and all the coasters were awesome and most of my friends were there.

Reece
AFTERSCHOOL CARE

I like to work at Smith YMCA because I have a great boss that would help me and others. I also like it because I like helping kids. I think the YMCA is a great place for kids to come because they get to meet friends and learn the 6 pillars and other fun things they have at the YMCA. My memories from the YMCA is when a child ask me how to spell YMCA; I thought it was funny and cute. I came back because I love my job. The YMCA had showed me how to help families out.

Karina Ruiz
SMITH FAMILY YMCA