I support the Y because of the work they do for the children within our community. 

Everyone knows the Y is the destination for wellness - we workout at the Y, we swim at the Y, we fellowship at the Y.. we learn to be healthier at the Y.  What you may not know is their efforts to serve ALL the children within our community.  

God blessed me with 2 healthy, physically able boys.  They can run and play with other children without effort, are completely functional without assistance and can interact with others without care.  God blessed some families with children with special needs.  Whether it be physical or emotional needs, they are special in their own ways.  As parents we do all we can for our children.  We would climb mountains daily to provide for them, but many parents, like me, need to work to be able to provide.  The Y's Summer Camp - Camp Ironwood welcomes ALL children.  They don't turn away a child that has physical or emotional challenges. Through their acceptance and efforts to provide a much needed service, Camp Ironwood has become the Summer destination for families with children with special needs.  This safe, well supervised program provides these parents the peace of mind that their child is well cared for while allowing them to continue to work when school is out for the Summer. 

Of course, the Y not only allows them to attend, these children are encouraged to participate in activities with other children. Through donations, the Y has purchased equipment specifically designed to improve body strength for children in wheelchairs.  Development games designed specifically for children with autism.  Soft blocks that encourage movement for paraplegic children. They staff patient, kind and fun-loving counselors that are trained to care for the needs of All children.

Costs for staffing, services and equipment goes beyond they tuition they receive, and family with  children unable to pay are not turned away.  

My boys attended Camp Ironwood for many Summers when they were younger, and I remember the diverse group of children that attended with them.  I remember stories they would tell about a little boy in a wheelchair that told funny jokes and the little girl they walked with to lunch that was on crutches.  Kaden, now in the eighth grade at Robinson, mentors children with special needs at his school.  Kohl, now in college, is an advocate for any child that is challenged either by bullying or by a physical or emotional need.  I can't help but think their experience at Camp has influenced their acceptance of others now. 

This is but one way the Y goes above and beyond to fill a need within our community.  I hope you will join me in donating to their efforts.  Monies stay here and are used to serve us or our neighbors. 

Thanks in advance for considering.

Susan