2013 Partners Campaign

I adopted 4 children of varying ages out of the foster care system. Having the Y’s Afterschool program has been immensely helpful in assisting us with both their physical and emotional needs. The help the Y leaders gave us helped them become the successful people they are today. My youngest son has severe emotional and cognitive issues and yet he is able to be successful with the other kids at the Y. Because of the financial help we have gotten at the Y over the years, we have been able to blend this family together as one.

2012 Afterschool Scholarship Recipient
SANTA ANA FAMILY YMCA

Our family joined the Fullerton Y in August 2010 after attending an open house BBQ, and we knew it was one of the best choices we have made as a family. We were so impressed with the facility and the programs that the Y offered for families like ours that we signed up as soon as we could, and cancelled our membership with Gold's Gym. Dani Kline was the first Y staff member we met who gave us a tour of the beautiful facility. She was so professional and seemed to truly care about our family. After getting to know Dani a little bit we knew it wasn't just a sales pitch. For a year my husband and I would come into the gym for workouts, occasionally our oldest daughter, Pernilla (12) would do a workout on the treadmill or elliptical while our youngest, Juliana (7) enjoyed the Kidzone. About 2 months ago I spoke with Clare McKenna about Pernilla who was diagnosed with scoliosis in May 2011. I was desperate for help and Clare was there to listen and help. Clare recommended that we set up an appointment with one of the trainers for a consultation, and with Dani's recommendation Pernilla and I met with Michelle Rose. Michelle was an answer to my prayers for me. She listened to my concerns and needs and took the time to get to know Pernilla a little better. She encouraged Pernilla and was so energetic and positive. After talking with us and hearing Pernilla's needs Michelle designed a workout circuit for Pernilla and took us both out to the gym and showed Pernilla how to do each exercise. You have no idea what a relief this was for us as her parents. We have been so concerned over the past few months about not having the resources to hire a personal trainer for Pernilla and needing a exercise routine to keep her back strong since she is wearing this very rigid Boston Brace for 22 hours a day. The fact that Pernilla, who is finishing her first week at Parks Jr. High in Fullerton, is not only willing, but enjoys the workout is something of a miracle to us. After discussing it with her spine surgeon we decided to pass on PE at school and in place of that have her exercise at the Y. The Y has given our daughter a safe, comfortable place to exercise without the worry of being teased by her peers about her brace, and at the same time make it a life habit of being healthy by exercising. The Y opened their arms out wide to our family and has now opened their arms to our daughter. They have given her the ability to exercise and feel great about herself, which we all know being in Jr. High is not always such a fun thing and wearing a huge back brace only makes things worse, but the Y is making a difference in Pernilla's life and continues to be a blessing to our family. This summer we have really enjoyed the Family Movie Nights and I do not know of any other gym that has anything like this for families. The Y just keeps getting better and better in our opinions! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Connie, Brian, Pernilla and Juliana Swanson
FULLERTON FAMILY YMCA

Going to the Fullerton Family YMCA (North Orange County) is an important part of my family’s daily schedule. From the cheerful greeting by the front desk staff, to the status reports on my kids’ activities in Kid Zone, our time spent here is very fulfilling. My husband, Rey, and I take many classes together including Body Pump and Zumba. We have gotten to know the instructors very well and they often ask about us if either one of us is sick or not at class.

My kids look forward to going to Kid Zone and never want to leave when it’s time to go. Kelsey is my oldest daughter and she has special needs. The Kid Zone Staff are very patient and caring with her. She has grown tremendously with her social skills and loves to paint-thanks to their encouragement. In addition to reading stories and helping with homework, Kid Zone staff even does face painting for the kids. Kelsey especially enjoys that.

My other daughter, Whitney, and my son, Zachary, have both been taking the Karate classes for about a year. They have since gone from white belts to yellow belt 2 stripes. They are not only learning Karate, but self discipline and how to respect others. I am so thankful that the classes are included in the membership, otherwise, this is something they never would have been able to experience.

Our family is also very involved in the youth basketball program. Both Whitney & Zachary have been playing for over a year and have received many accolades for the skills they have gained, like Sportsmanship and Most Improved Player. My husband has been a volunteer coach with both age groups and has been able to bond with our kids over their love of the game.

All of my kids also went to YMCA Day Camp during the summer. I worried how expensive it was going to be for 3 kids, but luckily the YMCA has special scholarships they can offer to families in need. We were fortunate to receive one of those scholarships. The kids had the best summer ever, going on field trips, swimming at the Y, and making new friends! We often see some of the camp counselors at events and the kids run up to them and give them all hugs.

The Fullerton Family YMCA (North Orange County) has an outstanding reputation for community outreach. Without any hesitation, Gaby Milan agreed to provide face painting, crafts, snow cones, and popcorn at my kids’ school carnival. The beautiful and talented Malia Ingarta also performed some Polynesian dancing entertainment. I found it rewarding to work along side these two dedicated volunteers.

In my own personal experience, I have gained a Zumba Sisterhood. The instructors are so welcoming and encouraging to students of all different levels. They will often stay after class and show students how to do moves, or just chat. Lots of friendships have been made in those classes. I always knew the YMCA staff and YMCA members were great people to be around, but it was not until I needed surgery, did I find out just how special everyone is. Lori Maier, the original Zumba instructor, and Lizzette, a friend from Zumba class, formed a support group for me and established a website so people could bring my family meals and wish me well during this stressful time. Words alone cannot fully express how thankful I am for this act of kindness. It gives us comfort knowing that everyone always looks out for each other through sickness and in health.

Being members of the YMCA has helped my family grow closer together and gain life long friendships. We especially enjoy the family events like Family Movie Nights, Trick or Treating, Parents Night Out, and Dinner with Santa. We are so proud to call the Fullerton Family YMCA (North Orange County) our home away from home and the staff our extended family. Thank you for providing my family with an all around healthy lifestyle change!

Anna Agustin
Loyal Member since February 2009

We have been members of the YMCA for many years. It has had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of my children. I attend aqua aerobics regularly while my kids have taken swim lessons and attended basketball and volleyball sports clinics. They have attended many of the social gatherings at the YMCA as well, e.g. Movie nights, Date nights and a sleepover. When the economy turned, we joined the ranks of the long-term unemployed in November 2008. Budgeting within the confines of an unemployment check meant we'd have to eliminate our Y membership. Thankfully, our monthly membership rate was reduced during this difficult time, and we've been able to stay on. In fact, my girls were given a financial aid scholarship to attend your Fine Art class this summer. What a treat! They learned about art around the world as they drew, painted, and made totems. We are all so grateful and thankful to have the YMCA make a difference in our lives.

Anonymous
Y Stories

My family and I were asked to write a testimonial letter about our time and experience here at the Y. Well, since I was laid off from my job almost one year ago it has been hard to find a place where my family and I can go to better our minds and bodies without spending a lot of money that we donít have. Never hving to ask for any sort of charity in our lives before, it was such a relief to us that the Membership staff and Bill were so very respectful about handling out situation in confidence. They were able to provide us some relief on our monthly membership and our daughterís volleyball classes through your scholarship program. I cannot tell you how much this means to our family in these hard times. It truly has saved us. I want to say that we will always support the Y what it stands for, we will be lifetime members!

Thank you for your help.

Membership

The staff here at the Fullerton YMCA is fantastic! I'm always greeted warmly and am happily helped when needed. Clare helped me out especially this week. I have some unexpected expenses that would have prevented me from utilizing the child care facilities. When I shared this with Clare, she immediately helped by offering a personal membership with child care included. It allowed me to continue to be a member while also being able to take care of some expenses I had not anticipated. I feel proud to belong to an organization that places such high values on its members and am exceedingly grateful to Clare, Thank you!

Lorna Hertogh
FULLERTON FAMILY YMCA

We would like to express our appreciation for the financial assistance, which has made the Y affordable and accessible for us. We have 3 children ages 3 to 8. My wife and I have found the Y to be a safe and friendly place to develop and improve our family physically and mentally. Our kids have enjoyed soccer, volleyball, and running classes and this has been made possible because of the Yís amazing financial assistance. My wife and I also participate in group exercise classes and after each class we walk away knowing how wonderful these lifelong benefits will have on our family. The Y has given us such great experiences and we are so grateful to be a part of it.

Membership