Welcome to the
The Michiana Family YMCA strengthens the foundations of our community through well-being and fitness, camps, family time, swim, sports and play, and other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. We’re more than just a place to work out. At the Y, we help build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all with the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.
With a commitment to nurturing youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.
TODAY'S GIVING, TOMORROW'S GIFT
06 December 2011
DaMichael wants to be someone and he has places to go.
DaMichael is a Washington High School student enrolled in the YMCA Innovation Delta program after school. Most days, he catches a bus from Western Avenue to Sample Street to take part in the Expressions program at Y.I.D. But sometimes, he misses the bus.
For a lot of teens, this would mean skipping the after school program. And, like a lot of missed opportunities, could lead to some bad decisions.
But DaMichael doesn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to explore the world of Expressions, learning real life skills that will prepare him for post-secondary education, military or civil service or a trade with a living wage. Afterall, DaMichael is already introducing himself as a member of the Class of 2015, anticipating his graduation from high school in four years.
So DaMichael walks the nearly 2 miles, through some of South Bend’s toughest neighborhoods, to arrive – not at a destination – at the first stop on the path to rest of his life.
When you give to the YMCA of Michiana, you strengthen our community. As the nation’s leading nonprofit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y uses your gift to make a meaningful and enduring impact right in your own neighborhood.
Basketball, volleyball, racquetball and Father’s Day were all started by innovators at the Y. We pioneered the USO,the Peace Corps and advocated for pre-school, camping and group swimming lessons. Our programs, services and initiatives give kids like DaMichael a safe place to go afterschool, help prepare disadvantaged teens for college, provide respite to those in need, and community for the elderly.
We connect people of all walks of life, which makes Michiana a stronger, safer, healthier place for all who live and work here.
At the Y, no child, family or adult is turned away. We recognize that for Michiana to succeed, everyone must be given the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.
No one made DaMichael walk to the YMCA Innovation Delta. He made a choice to walk to a better future. Who knows what innovations he might create there. Your gift today makes tomorrow better for him, for all kids, for all families and for Michiana.
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