When Rob was growing up, life wasn’t so great at home. His father wasn’t in the picture and his mother was struggling to give him the attention he needed. When his mother found out about the Y’s sponsorship program, she applied, hoping it would give Rob the positive support and guidance he needed.

The Y sponsored Rob and his mother quickly enrolled him in swimming lessons. His instructor soon noticed a special drive about this little boy and with his encouragement; Rob advanced three levels in the first session. “It was the first time that someone saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” says Rob today.

As he grew older Rob experienced many of life’s challenges, but one thing that was always consistent in his life was the Y.

Today, Rob’s Y experience has made a full circle. He is now the Regional Director of the Metro Central Y and is no longer a sponsored member, but a donor.

From Marian in National Capital Region.