I have been a member since I was 2 years old. I started off taking swim lessons, basketball, and gymnastics. Once I was old enough, I started attending Y summer resident camps. I grew up challenging myself to balance my mind, body and spirit through various activities, volunteering, and self reflection. I always looked up to my coaches, counselors and teachers and wanted to be like them one day. I have had the great opportunity the past 10 years to give back as a camp counselor, art teacher, lifeguard, basketball coach, aquatics director, raggers coordinator, swim instructor, membership services and now swim coach and arts & humanities coordinator.

Maggie Lach
NEWPORT MESA FAMILY YMCA

Dear Maggie,

I would like to let you know that I extremely appreciate everything you have done for me and the guitar group. While receiving the merchandise you bought for us, you could see a glow in people's faces. I am very glad that you and the &qout;Y&qout; have decided to help and provide for us. It is clear to me now that you and your foundation are very benevolent people. All of the kids in our group know that you guys are very diligent and try your best to help us, and we are glad enough to show you that we do care and appreciate everything you do. It is also a good thing to know that we have a benefactor, who, as a kind group of people, has created amity between a simple group of kids trying to learn guitar and a generous company. THANK YOU!

Sincerely yours,
Desirea Price
NEWPORT MESA FAMILY YMCA

I started as a 6 month old in the Waukesha Family YMCA's KidZone. From there I was in everything, from basketball, soccer, t-ball, swimming, to gymnastics (until I reached 6 foot and realized it was not going to be my sport). I grew up at Phantom Lake YMCA resident camp during the summers, where each week each child was encouraged to grow by setting goals, meeting new friends, and trying new activities. The camp really promoted the verse Luke 2:52 "And Jesus increases in Wisdom, Stature and in favor with God and man". Regardless of what religion you were you were encouraged to grow in your relationships with others, personal knowledge, confidence, and spirituality. These goals would follow me through the year and I continue to grow in each of these areas. At this camp I started a counselor-in-training program, and after three summers of being a volunteer assistant counselor, I became a counselor and later director. In college I was able to continue working out at my local YMCA because I was offered financial assistance. Later after college financial assistance helped me a lot while I needed to do physical therapy after surgeries. I have continued to work for the YMCA for the past 10 years and I have continued to learn and grow. I have been able to give back and lead others in reaching their goals and help fundraise so everyone has the opportunity to work out at the YMCA. The YMCA has played a major role in creating who I am today.

Anonymous
NEWPORT MESA FAMILY YMCA

I became a member of the YMCA in 1992. Now I can hardly describe what the YMCA has meant to me. It is and always has been my home away from home and a place where I knew I could always find a friend. It has been a real lifesaver during unemployment because I consider it my "job" to get to the YMCA to take care of myself. It is the affordable health insurance that I really enjoy. I signed up for Maggie and Michael's art class at the YMCA, and here I am a "retired" art teacher gaining new insight, inspiration and the latest expertise that can only be found at the college level, yet at the YMCA's affordable price. And I don't even have to drive the distance to Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach or UCI. Michael and Maggie have presented so many new ideas about art techniques and cultures that I never knew before. I can't say enough about how great the art classes are. Most people seem to think, "But I'm not an artist or have very little artistic ability". Well, I know, as do Maggie and Michael that there is an artist in all of us. And the great part about our class is that none of us are "great artists", but the fact is that we treasure the variety and individual differences in all of us and the end results is we just have a great time and I think that makes us "great artists". If you haven't tried an art class before, Maggie and Michael's class is the one to try.

Kathy Anderson
NEWPORT-MESA FAMILY YMCA

I work at the Y because I am fortunate enough to get paid to help people. John: 3:18

Arianna Yanez
NEWPORT MESA FAMILY YMCA

We have been members of the YMCA for many years. It has had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of my children. I attend aqua aerobics regularly, while my kids have taken swim lessons, basketball, and volleyball sports clinics. They have attended many of the social gatherings at the YMCA as well, e.g. Movie Nights, Date Nights and a sleepover.

When the economy turned, we joined the ranks of the long-term unemployed. Budgeting within the confines of an unemployment check meant we'd have to eliminate our membership. Thankfully, our monthly membership rate was reduced during this difficult time, and we've been able to stay on. In fact, my girls were given a financial aid scholarship to attend your Fine Art class this summer. What a treat! They learned about art around the world as they drew, painted, and made totems. We are all so grateful and thankful to have the YMCA make a difference in our lives.

Anonymous
NEWPORT MESA FAMILY YMCA