Sophia Vacca, 17
“Everyone at the Y is so nice, and they help me with everything,” Sophia says. “I have continued working at Friends and Servants since completing my community service hours because the way we help people makes me feel great.”
Changing Our Future
Community need13,000 court-ordered community service hours were assigned to Pierce County teens last year.
YMCA meets the need
Because of the Y community, kids in neighborhoods around our Pierce and Kitsap Counties are taking more interest in learning and making smarter life choices. Through YMCA Friends and Servants, teens learn they are valuable individuals, someone cares about them and their well-being, and that there’s hope for a better future. That makes for confident teens today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.
Meet Sophia
Sophia, came to Friends and Servants with 200 hours of court-ordered community service, which she was not looking forward to. But after spending her first day with Friends and Servants selling plants at the Puyallup Farmer’s Market, she realized this could be a positive experience. Spending days at the YMCA farm and greenhouses has given Sophia confidence, taught her new skills, and helped her learn how to deal with any obstacles that come her way.
Sophia, fulfilled her community service hours through Friends and Servants, and at 17 years old, is currently attending Green River Community College through the Running Start program.
You can make a difference in lives like Sophia’s by giving to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. Donate today.
