Jacki's Story

The YMCA Strong Kids campaign holds a special meaning for my own family.

My husband and I have an awesome son but we always wanted to have another child. We tried several avenues to no avail. A couple of years ago, a staff member was raising her granddaughter whom she wanted to bring to the YMCA. The little girl lived sometimes with her grandmother but also spent a great deal of time with her biological mother who was homeless and had addiction issues. Neither had money to provide the little girl with a membership or to send her to Camp, but it was available through YMCA Strong Kids funding.

Her granddaughter was dropped off nightly at the Y and we soon became friends. Often hungry and in the same clothes every night, we made sure that she had something to eat, participated in programs and felt safe. Coincidentally, my husband and I had our names placed with Children’s Aid and had been waiting for news. We never guessed that the YMCA would provide us with a miracle.

The grandmother eventually placed her granddaughter with Children’s Aid as she could no longer care for her and the girl’s mother was in jail. This beautiful little girl had been homeless as well as physically and emotionally abused.

I am so pleased to announce that after 3 years of up's and down's, tears and laughter the beautiful little girl from the Y who had given up on life has been officially adopted by myself and my husband. Talley's involvement in the Y help protect, heal and guide her. The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign helped our daughter be a kid and enjoy life through very difficult circumstances.

Please join my family in donating to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and remember our little girl who is truly a very strong kid. Thank you!