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Angela H
"I love the Y because you can feel the love and kindness the moment you walk in the doors."Read Angela's Story -
Alosia
After a tragic car accident, Alosia fell behind in school, but the Power Scholars program helped her catch up.Read Alosia's Story -
Kari and Matthew Scott
"We are passionate that all kids have the chance to reach their full potential through the variety of sports and youth programs the Y offers."Read Kari and Matthew Scott's Story -
Jeff and Valinda Jones
Through Boeing’s corporate match program, Jeff and Valinda were able to give a much larger gift to the Y.Read Jeff and Valinda Jones's Story -
Darian B
Personal training at the Y and nutrition counseling through MultiCare is helping Darian compete in an Ironman Triathlon.Read Darian's Story -
Ed H
Ed combines his love of running and community service by plogging — collecting litter while he jogs.Read Ed's Story -
Krystle
"It can be discouraging after you have a baby. Your body is not the same as it used to be so knowing you aren’t alone really helps."Read Krystle's Story -
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Grace
Those around Grace have noticed her growth during her time at the Y. Her confidence has improved in her dance abilities and as well as her social skills. Ms. Kristin had mentioned how far GraRead Grace's Story -
Alisha H
"The Y has been a great place for us all to connect. Through coaching, I really feel like I make a difference.”Read Alisha's Story -
Terry Larson and Chris Spivey
"There are a lot of good programs that the YMCA is working on and we need to find ways to support them."Read Terry Larson and Chris Spivey's Story -
Rick Ellingson
“I’m a strong advocate for anything related to kids, and I think the first thing that resonated strongly with me was Teen Late Nite, because it’s just a terrific program."Read Rick Ellingson's Story -
Aiko
"When you don’t have any kids, you try to help someone who needs it. I feel good when I’m helping somebody."Read Aiko's Story -
Dr. Joseph Lamb
"I find it important to give to the Y because I believe people need to have a place to work out, but more importantly, a place to find community."Read Dr. Joseph Lamb's Story -
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Joy W
"Walking that track, I’d see those classes going on and I thought, ‘What looks like I could do it?’ and the TRX class looked fun."Read Joy's Story -
Lauren
"It’s really a diverse community that comes together to help these kids."Read Lauren's Story -
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Matt V
"The YMCA is just that place where you can cultivate your passion for youth development."Read Matt's Story -
Marques G
"Even though they’re surrounded by things that may be a little bit tough, there are still opportunities all around them."Read Marques's Story -
Christian I
"It’s so awesome to get to have that impact in these kids’ lives."Read Christian's Story -
Brandon
"Working with the kids just totally changed my mind about what I wanted to do for my major."Read Brandon's Story -
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Hannah
"That was the first time for a lot of them experiencing somebody who was different."Read Hannah's Story -
Katie
"It’s about building up their confidence and helping them not only in swimming, but in life."Read Katie's Story -
Julius L
"What she was dealing with made me say, 'I’m gonna keep fighting, too.'"Read Julius's Story -
Marcel L
"It has so much meaning for me just seeing what the Y does for people."Read Marcel's Story -
Nathaniel C
"It’s a family. It’s a community. It’s what the world should be like."Read Nathaniel's Story -
Jenna L
"That’s what our job is: to help kids and adults not become fearful and to know that they can be safe in the water."Read Jenna's Story -
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Yvette L
"Knowing that I have a small part in [changing lives] just makes it a great job."Read Yvette's Story -
Brenna B
"It was this job that changed my attitude on life and molded me into the talk-able, caring, understanding person I am working to be."Read Brenna's Story -
Ron O
The Y can create so many happy, healthy connections for our members, and Ron is the perfect example.Read Ron's Story -
Daniel M
“As long as you open your heart and try your best to be a positive role-model, you can make a positive impact on the lives of these kids.”Read Daniel's Story -
Christina C
"The Y just does so much more than exercise. It’s a place to belong, to be with family and improve yourself."Read Christina's Story -
Greg G
Greg's doctor referred him to the YMCA Diabetes Prevention program to help him change his lifestyle.Read Greg's Story -
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Mohagani T
“Coming to the Y has made me feel like I fit in somewhere and that I belong..."Read Mohagani's Story -
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Dorothy and Stella C
"The Y is a great place to stay active, but it also offers a sense of community and support."Read Dorothy and Stella's Story -
Dontrel and Liz M
“You feel accepted. It’s not a judgmental place. Everyone is willing to help you."Read Dontrel and Liz's Story -
Heidi and Craig A
“The Y is obviously a place where you can workout, but through that you find community."Read Heidi and Craig's Story -
Candace
Candace has found a community here at the Y that is encouraging and strengthens her resolve to keep moving forward in her journey.Read Candace's Story -
Marie and Rita
“This is wonderful, because I’m preventing instead of waiting until it's here. This program has saved my life.”Read Marie and Rita's Story -
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Donald C
“I have become part of a community. I found a safe place with great members and exceptional staff”Read Donald's Story -
Barbara N
"You reached more than just my physical health you have improved the emotional state that I was under for many years."Read Barbara's Story -
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Shon H
“Being back in the water makes me very happy and I can feel my mobility coming back.”Read Shon's Story -
Hana C
“I felt like that was where I was supposed to be and that my heart had finally found its calling."Read Hana's Story -
Jimmie K
"Maintaining good physical condition helped prisoners endure the hardships of POW life. The YMCA gave the prisoners hope."Read Jimmie's Story -
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Erika
“The Y has helped me create a disciplined lifestyle when it comes to my fitness and the fitness of my family.”Read Erika's Story -
Frank M
“"[My] favorite thing is to sweat with my friends at Clare’s morning Boot Camp on Tuesdays and Thursdays."Read Frank's Story -
Armen P
"I have gotten to meet dozens of wonderful people and hear stories that resemble my own and it keeps me pushing forward."Read Armen's Story -
Pat N
“When you can change people’s lives by just being present—doing the little things that matter—it just resonates with me.”Read Pat's Story -
Lorraine P
"The variety of programs and wonderful encouraging staff at the Bremerton Y have helped me continue my success."Read Lorraine's Story -
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Ariel
"I really like the hard routes [climbs] because the more I do it the more I get stronger."Read Ariel's Story -
Jana B
“We just want to give people an opportunity to walk into the YMCA, regardless of their situation.”Read Jana's Story -
Alexej L
"I teach myself through teaching others, and I’m constantly impressed by the ideas my students get in class."Read Alexej's Story -
Melvin S
"I was afraid that people would look at me and judge me. But then I realized that they were here for the same reason I was here."Read Melvin's Story -
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Mayanna
For Mayanna, the best part of Top Chef Camp at the Y is bringing home healthy, delicious recipes to share with her family.Read Mayanna's Story -
Donovan
"I’ve learned that adding spices and things like salt and pepper make food more flavorful and delicious!"Read Donovan's Story -
Jon H
Life gives us challenges, but sometimes, those challenges can be opportunitiesRead Jon's Story -
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Juliette K
“I still have work to do, but LIVESTRONG has improved my quality of life."Read Juliette's Story -
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Maleek and Danavian
"Without the Y, I’d probably just be sitting at home bored or out doing things I shouldn’t be doing.”Read Maleek and Danavian's Story -
Demara V
"They recognize that a person’s differences do not define them as a person or a friend."Read Demara's Story -
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Dana and Kyle
“The Y has empowered me to mentor other youth through my new job in the pool.”Read Dana and Kyle's Story -
Brenda R
“We’ve always kept active but the Y has provided us with our first group exercise program.”Read Brenda's Story -
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Rehtaeh B
“I wanted to offer her an activity that would allow her the opportunity to exercise, while maintaining a safe environment when she becomes overstimulated.”Read Rehtaeh's Story -
Parker S
“I am so grateful to the YMCA team for their patience and ongoing support.”Read Parker's Story -
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Michelle C
“The Y feels like a second home to us, where we are received with open arms, and given time and attention.”Read Michelle's Story -
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Sayra
Sayra was standing in her front yard when an aneurysm in her brain ruptured.Read Sayra's Story -
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Tim S
“Attitude is a paintbrush of your mind, you can paint any situation with it.”Read Tim's Story -
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Georgia M
"If you want to live a healthy life, you can, you just have to be mindful of the choices that you make."Read Georgia's Story -
Judy Y
“I feel like it’s my mission to put on events that allow people to have fun.”Read Judy's Story -
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Omer A
"I got to see so many people [at the Y] and fellow peers, it really felt like a sense of community."Read Omer's Story -
Megan L
“Coming to the Y has given us purpose and opportunities to get out of the house, keeping us all active and healthy.”Read Megan's Story -
Jamie and Evan M
"The Y has everything we need, but the people keep us coming back.”Read Jamie and Evan's Story -
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The Wilson Family
"Even if the Y didn't offer free memberships to foster children, we would still bring the kids to the Y."Read The Wilson Family's Story -
Allison P
"I feel that when you’re part of the Y you feel like you’re part of a community."Read Allison's Story -
Ruby N
"The staff here have helped me reach my goals. They are so encouraging and understanding."Read Ruby's Story -
John and Jordan L
“Someday, I want my children to understand what it means to give back because we have been given to."Read John and Jordan's Story -
David M
"The YMCA has a real personal, home-y feel. I know I made the right decision."Read David's Story -
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Daisy and Lisbeth
“The first two weeks, the girls didn’t want to go into the water at all."Read Daisy and Lisbeth's Story -
Drew W
"There are people here who are here to learn alongside you. We are an open door for everyone."Read Drew's Story -
Darnel H
"It’s nice to be greeted by people who take the time to learn your name."Read Darnel's Story -
Cal and Joanne Bamford
“Giving to the Y has become a family tradition,” saysRead Cal and Joanne Bamford's Story -
TJ Staupe and Vickie Pratt
“Once we retired from the railroad, we found ourselves missingRead TJ Staupe and Vickie Pratt's Story -
Ken and Laura Sampson
A public school teacher for 11 years, Kent Sampson workedRead Ken and Laura Sampson's Story -
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Haisell V
Haisell learned to swim not only with special needs, but also while overcoming a language barrier.Read Haisell's Story -
Shane W
"I'm thankful for the atmosphere here, where everyone is trying to better themselves. It's contagious!”Read Shane's Story -
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Russell, Abby, Alex and Casey
"The Y has definitely helped us. The kids are learning to use their words and not their hands, but there are always barriers."Read Russell, Abby, Alex and Casey's Story -
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Joshua D and Takako K
“It’s almost our second home,” says Joshua. “My family comes here and plans their days around the YMCA. It’s become part of our daily norm.”Read Joshua D and Takako K's Story -
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Gary and Chuck
Gary and Chuck share more than just a friendship—they areRead Gary and Chuck's Story -
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Steve and Sandy D
Steve and Sandy’s story began 10 years ago on FebruaryRead Steve and Sandy's Story -
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Sarah and Lisa D
"When I see my daughter come home from work, she feels like she is truly part of the team.”Read Sarah and Lisa's Story -
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Claudia "Charli" D
Charli Davis’ story is one of perseverance. Charli began comingRead Claudia "Charli"'s Story -
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The Freedom Tribe
Health is more than building muscle mass, it is alsoRead The Freedom Tribe's Story -
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Ashley
For someone living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), lifeRead Ashley's Story -
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Komarov Family
The Komarov family left their homeland under great distress andRead Komarov Family's Story -
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Community Partners
For many families, the effects of financial hardship make itRead Community Partners's Story -
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Grace
“Inclusion of our child in activities happened every day,” said Sheryl. “It has been very beneficial for her, both at the YMCA and at home.”Read Grace's Story -
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Antowne "A.J." G
As a third-year Teen Late Nite participant at the TacomaRead Antowne "A.J."'s Story -
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Dr. Michael T. B
When Michael first moved to Washington in the late 1980sRead Dr. Michael T.'s Story -
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Dennis Y
"It helped me cope with the idea of living the rest of my life without a lung. I just can't say enough for this program."Read Dennis's Story -
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June and Howard P
June and Howard Peterson first joined the YMCA 14 yearsRead June and Howard's Story -
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Larry S
Larry always knew that heart disease ran in his family, but he never realized how this family history could affect him until he had a stroke.Read Larry's Story -
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Weston and Cora .
In 2011 Weston and Cora splashed into Parent-Child swim lessonsRead Weston and Cora's Story -
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Ricky and Angela D
Dating can be scary. Getting dressed up on a SaturdayRead Ricky and Angela's Story -
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Scott H
As a self-described rambunctious, enthusiastic young child, Scott spent countlessRead Scott's Story -
Brooke and Lexi J
After moving to Washington from Las Vegas, Valerie wanted toRead Brooke and Lexi's Story -
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Lisa M
Chronically plagued with fibromyalgia, a disorder causing amplified pain throughoutRead Lisa's Story -
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Yalaynah M
After going through a difficult divorce Shavonne wanted to ensure her nine-year-old daughter, Yalaynah, had a positive influence in her life.Read Yalaynah's Story -
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Michael M
It's a regular occurrence to see Michael passionately participating inRead Michael's Story -
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Rynchannar "Nini" N
When Nini stormed angrily into the front office at FirstRead Rynchannar "Nini"'s Story -
Kelley and Gabby S
Since Kelley and her daughter Gabby first joined the YRead Kelley and Gabby's Story -
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Sam and Tanya L
Tanya knew her son Sam was behind in his development, butRead Sam and Tanya's Story -
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Daniel H
As a clinical physiology major at Central Washington University, DanielRead Daniel's Story -
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Penny and Bruce
Most would agree that 16-year-old Penny and 93-year-old Bruce areRead Penny and Bruce's Story -
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Tasheon C
Tasheon has earned some substantial bragging rights. The 26-year-old residentRead Tasheon's Story -
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Alashia J
Shortely after Alashia joined the Y as a dance instructor, she sufferedRead Alashia's Story -
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Patricia L
Cancer survivor Patricia needed a weight loss surgery, but told herRead Patricia's Story -
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Jessica S
After finishing their medical residencies, Jessica and Nathan were wantingRead Jessica's Story -
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Athrettis "Thrett" B
Key player on the Teen Late Nite staff team, AthrettisRead Athrettis "Thrett"'s Story -
Laura B
After college, Laura Barnes drifted from her athletic background. RealizingRead Laura's Story -
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Sagan P
Twenty-five-year-old recovering drug addict, Sagan Parker, finds a healthy path.Read Sagan's Story -
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Robert and Marianna
Marianna and Robert joined the YMCA In October 2009. MariannaRead Robert and Marianna's Story -
Jessica and Ngoma H
After five years of marriage, like many families, the HowardsRead Jessica and Ngoma's Story -
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Michael I
Michael recently graduated from the YMCA's FitPath program. He creditsRead Michael's Story -
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Gil and Cheyenne Q
Gil was finally ready to start his journey to healthRead Gil and Cheyenne's Story -
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Katiana and Kirandra W
YMCA athletes and twins Katiana and Kirandra Welsheimer are noRead Katiana and Kirandra's Story -
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Kyle and Julana H
Kyle and Julana Hardtke recently settled into a new homeRead Kyle and Julana's Story -
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Bethany D
When Bethany's son entered third grade, her long-time caregivers retiredRead Bethany's Story -
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Athena C
Athena recently competed in our first annual Strongman Competition. SheRead Athena's Story -
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Nicole and Melisa P
Twin sisters Nicole and Melisa Parsels were looking for aRead Nicole and Melisa's Story -
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YMCA Sisterhood
Thanks to a grant from the Greater Tacoma Community FoundationRead YMCA Sisterhood's Story -
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CaseyRae
CaseyRay has Congenital Myasthenia Gravis (CMG), a muscle fatigue syndromeRead CaseyRae's Story -
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Ruth, Midge, Barbara, and Susie
Ruth joined the Y years ago. But when her sonRead Ruth, Midge, Barbara, and Susie's Story -
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Community Partnerships
For many families, the effects of financial hardship make itRead Community Partnerships's Story -
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Ashley N
For someone living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), lifeRead Ashley's Story -
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