"I’ve been struggling with my weight for YEARS and this is the first time in a long time that I have been able to stick to my workouts… I’m doing things I didn’t think I could do and things I know I would not be doing if I was on my own. The trainers make me feel comfortable, push me, and are aware of everyone’s levels… My kids have seen me fail so many times… The last program I tried, I told my son that he would be able to put his arms around me within a month, which didn’t happen. But now, he IS able to and HE was as happy about it as I was!"

"With the help of the Y’s Open Doors program, our family has had an eventful year. Our vacation included experienced swimmers, thanks to Y swim lessons. Our children gained an immense amount of confidence, courage, and strength, and we have been able to become heathier adults through our Y involvement. We adults even ran our first 5K with the Y this year! We look forward to continuing to grow as a family within the Y community."

One day as one of our BackPack Program volunteers was walking into the school, a parent came up to her and gave her a big hug with tears in her eyes, thanking her for the program and how much it means for her children. She told her it was a relief to not have to worry about having enough food for her children on the weekend, since they are struggling financially. It made the volunteer feel even more committed after seeing first hand what a difference the BackPack Program has made.

"I came to the Y after 7 months of being completely sedentary due to surgery and then chemotherapy. I needed to regain my strength and reduce pain from the neuropathy I developed due to treatment.  I began using the pool to move without pain and then gradually increased my level of effort.  With coaching from Steve Greecher (Aquatics and Youth Programs Director), I was eventually able to do some swimming. From there, I started personal training. The Wellness Director guided me through exercises until I was able to do them on my own. The warm and welcoming atmosphere at this Y gave me a sense of community and a goal to help others in Bellefonte feel connected and supported. When I was asked to join the Advisory Committee, I agreed willingly. I love this Y and have such great appreciation for what they do for children and families, especially those who are in need." 

"Thank you for granting us access to the Y through the Open Doors program. We are, without a doubt, fully utilizing our membership and loving our experience. My routine swim has been nothing short of therapeutic....A previous part of my life that I loved so much is making its way back to me. My kids adore coming to the Y and love the novelty of wearing swim suits in the winter, drying off and then shooting hoops in the gym. It is heartwarming to have our membership be affordable for us, and I can't thank the donors enough." 

"Every Friday, I am so excited to distribute the Backpack Weekend Food to the kids and it brings so much joy to see their smiles. Some of them start asking me on Friday morning when they will be getting their backpacks. One sixth grader always gives me a hug and thanks me the minute he sees me holding his YMCA bag...It is heartwarming to know that these children have food on their tables every weekend." 

"The Y is a real asset to the community....I see the Y as a helping hand, encouraging everyone, and making its facilities available with programs for everyone: from the very young toddlers in child care and swim lessons to the older adults in gentle yoga. For disadvantaged people, everyone can find their place through the Open Doors Program, Backpack Program, and so much more. Thank you to all who make this possible."