We Help Kids Succeed
When Josiah first arrived at summer camp, the busy schedule and new environment felt overwhelming. His counselors noticed he was having trouble adjusting, so they partnered closely with his mother to better understand his needs. With compassion and intentional support, like allowing breaks, offering reassurance, and celebrating small wins, Josiah slowly found comfort and confidence. Their efforts also revealed that he was managing an emotional disorder that made transitions especially challenging, helping staff give him the thoughtful care he deserved.
That understanding became a turning point. With patience and encouragement, Josiah began to participate more fully, build friendships, and truly thrive at camp. He also joined the Bright Beginnings program, receiving new school supplies and clothing to start the year strong. Josiah’s transformation is a powerful reminder of why the Y exists: to ensure every child has a place to grow, belong, and discover their best self, made possible through the support of our donors, staff, and community.
We Prepare Teens for Life
For Lauren, the YMCA is more than a place to exercise; it’s where she found her voice, confidence, and sense of purpose. Now in her third year of Leaders Club, she has grown from a quiet participant into a courageous and compassionate leader. After serving two years as a Teen Executive and now as Club President, Lauren has learned to lead with empathy while helping others feel at home in the Y. She credits the program with strengthening her confidence, social skills, and leadership, and says she wouldn’t be the person she is today without it.
Lauren’s impact reaches well beyond her own development. Named Luter Family YMCA’s Volunteer of the Year, she dedicates countless hours to serving others and building community. She even presented to the YMCA Board about the importance of Leaders Club. She later collaborated with the Center Executive to find new ways to make the Y an empowering place for more teens. Her story reflects the heart of the YMCA: nurturing potential, inspiring service, and preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive.
We Prevent Drowning
At the Y, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and empowered around water. Our Second Grade Learn to Swim program brings that belief to life. In partnership with Isle of Wight County Schools, we welcomed busloads of excited second graders each week, many of whom stepped onto a pool deck for the very first time. With support from their teachers, skilled Y aquatic professionals, and a step-by-step curriculum, students built courage and skills session by session. One student, who had never been in a pool, arrived fearful and clinging to the edge. However, with patient guidance and encouragement from his instructor and classmates, he progressed from tiny glides in the shallow end to proudly floating on his own by graduation day.
This program demonstrates the power of collaboration. Isle of Wight County Schools ensured all second graders could participate, while the YMCA provided trained instructors, lifeguards, and a welcoming environment designed for safety and growth. Parents shared how their children came home excited to demonstrate floating positions, explain pool rules, and talk about how proud they felt. Teachers noticed new confidence that carried back into the classroom. Together, we delivered more than swim lessons; we delivered life-saving skills, lasting confidence, and a strong start for hundreds of students. And for these second graders, their journey in and out of the water is only just beginning.
We Help People Grow Healthier in Spirit, Mind, and Body
Rose's journey spans continents, careers, and remarkable resilience. After moving from Italy to the U.S. at 14, she discovered organized sports for the first time, accidentally trying out for volleyball without even knowing the word, and making the team. Her passion for athletics and service continued through high school and into adulthood, where she became the only female cadet in her police academy. After years of moving with her husband, Rose eventually settled in Smithfield, VA, where the emotional challenges of retirement and a traumatic brain injury left her searching for purpose and connection.
She found both at the Luter Family YMCA. What began as a simple interest in the pool led her to pickleball, and through a 6-week clinic, she not only discovered a sport she could embrace despite her injury but a community that felt like family. Now a certified instructor, Rose gives back by running free clinics and supporting others with disabilities or mental health challenges. She credits the Y with restoring her confidence, improving her health, and giving her a renewed sense of belonging. Rose’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the life-changing impact of the YMCA.
