We Prevent Drowning
At the age of two, Kayden became drawn to the water. With this newfound love, we couldn't keep him away from it, no matter how hard we tried. Because of this, we had to accept the fact that he was a water baby and decided to enroll him in swim lessons.
He quickly mastered floating, but has only recently become comfortable going underwater. The joy on his face from learning something new in the pool comes from his time spent with his instructors at the Y. Though it has taken him a while to get here (almost three years), we are proud to say he's now more confident than ever in the pool and is anxious to learn more techniques.
We Help Kids Succeed
When I decided to return to work full-time, it was the YMCA that made it possible. I needed full-day care for my 9-month-old and 3-year-old, as well as after-school care for my 5-year-old. Thanks to the Wiley Childhood Development Center’s infant room, my son, Jack, had a loving and caring environment in which to grow and thrive. The YMCA and Lancaster Public Schools' partnership for the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) provided Audrey with a full-day preschool, laying the foundation for her educational development. Charles was able to attend summer camp and after-school care with the YMCA, allowing him to complete his homework while also socializing and playing with friends.
Two years later, Jack is in his last year with the Wiley Childhood Education Center before moving on to the ECEC. Audrey and Charles attended summer camp together this year and are both in after-school care together. It is because of the YMCA child care offerings that I cannot just come back to work full-time, but to now grow in my career with the YMCA.
We Prepare Teens for Life
Larkin first joined the Northern Neck Pirates swim team in the fall of 2024 as a swim participant and immediately demonstrated her leadership skills. Larkin showed up early and helped with the practices for our 4-to 10-year-old age group. Her attitude, patience, and exceptional coaching skills made Meredith, Head Swim Team Coach for Northern Neck, offer Larkin the opportunity to apply for the Assistant Swim Team Coach position for the team.
Over the past year, Larkin has provided in-water instructional support, teaching our younger swimmers new skills and enabling them to develop in endurance and technique. Larkin is also a true leader during our swim meets. She sets the example of sportsmanship and is tremendously helpful in ensuring the youngest members of the team know where to go and cheer on their teammates.
We Help People Grow Healthier in Spirit, Mind, and Body
Four years ago, Ginette joined the Y with a goal: to take charge of her health. She started with our Y Weight Loss program, learning the tools of weight management and celebrating a 10-pound milestone. But her journey didn’t stop there. Soon after, Ginette faced a breast cancer diagnosis. With strength and courage, she joined the YMCA’s LIVESTRONG® at the Y program.
Ginette not only gained support and confidence, but she also continued her health journey, losing an additional 45 pounds since joining the Y. Today, Ginette has truly embraced a new lifestyle of fitness and wellness. She continues to stay active, strong, and healthy, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible. “The Y has helped me find strength I didn’t know I had, physically and emotionally.”
