Nancy’s Story — How the YMCA Helped During Breast Cancer Healing
Nancy Valdez has been a member of the YMCA of Greater Houston for over 10 years. Nancy connected with the Y when her kids were in elementary school. Facing a layoff, Nancy needed a safe place she could trust for her children's programs. The Y was able to help. The Y provided financial assistance, making it possible for her to afford membership and program fees. The supportive staff even helped her create a resume during her job search. Nancy knew she had found something special at the Y. In 2020, Nancy received the difficult news that she had been [...]
3 Strategies for Deepening Connection
Do you tend to feel a bit lonely around the holidays? Do you have a desire to connect more closely with others but often struggle to do so? Or do you still feel lonely sometimes despite having relationships with friends and/or loved ones? If you said yes to any of these, know that you are not alone in feeling this way. According to an advisory issued just this year by the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, loneliness, isolation, and feelings of disconnection have become an epidemic in the United States, and this epidemic carries significant risks for individuals and [...]
Lead Like Jesus — Truth and Honesty
The extension of Grace is one of the most profound concepts to fathom. Unmerited favor from God seems hard to reconcile in our human mind. It is not conditioned but freely given despite our failures or shortcomings. This extension of grace is only possible because the love of Christ is relentless. Grace is the expression of God’s incredible love. We are given a deep pure and undying love as God’s children which shows in the nail pierced hands of Jesus. Stretched east to west. So, the question we have as believers is, where do we integrate honesty? Honesty is often [...]
Personal Growth Through YMCA Summer Day Camp
Embracing the Importance of Personal Growth through Summer Day Camp Experiences Author: Detra Alton, MBA Summer has a magical way of bringing children joy, adventure, and the chance to create cherished memories. For our family, this summer was particularly special as our two daughters, aged 10 and 8, embarked on their first-ever summer day camp journey with the YMCA of Greater Houston Summer Day Camp program. With a mix of skepticism and excitement, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of summer day camp experiences in shaping young minds and fostering personal growth. From the moment my girls set foot [...]
Impact in Action — YMCA Miracle League
Impact in Action - Joshua's Story I remember the day I got a note from Joshua’s Kinder teacher in 2012 – it said, “Ms. Lima take a look at this sport opportunity for children with special needs. I think Joshua would do great at baseball!” Joshua has Down Syndrome and was 5 years old back then. He was and eager and curious to learn all about sports. I was excited to see an organization create a program where my child wouldn’t be judged and be given the opportunity to grow, socialize and learn about America’s favorite pastime! I clearly remember [...]
The Miracle League — A Parent’s Story of Hope and Belonging
The Miracle League - A Parent’s Champion of Hope, Belonging and Acceptance By Detra Alton, As the announcer calls the next batter’s name the crowd begins to clap and cheer, and the batter’s choice of walkup music begins to play in the background as she approaches the plate. She is a little hesitant at first as loud sounds can sometimes be a sensory barrier for her, but the volunteer buddy reassures her that all is well while giving her a little nudge towards the plate. The volunteer buddy takes a second to ensure the tee is the right height [...]
Keys to Keeping your New Year’s Resolutions
“This year things are going to be different.” Have you said this to yourself year after year? If so, we’ve got some realistic tips that will help you stick to your New Year’s resolution to be healthier, whether you are new to fitness or a seasoned pro. If you are returning to fitness after being inactive, you should: Set Goals: Set specific goals around nutrition and physical activity. Make sure these goals are measurable, achievable and realistic. Get Support: Find a supportive environment that helps encourage you and gives you the tools and skills to achieve your goals. Remember Holistic Health: Take a [...]
Zoie’s Story — The Weekley Family YMCA
Zoie is a 10 year girl old who joined the Weekley family in March of 2019. Zoie’s grandmother, Natalie, first came to us at a time when Zoie’s family was going through a tough time. Her mother was struggling to make ends meet and Natalie was receiving care for a long-term illness. Natalie wanted to ensure Zoie would be able to be in a safe space where she could be engaged, be active, and be a kid. They first tried to get a scholarship for Camp Cullen through the camp, but, unfortunately, Camp Cullen had used all its scholarship money [...]
