Greater Kingsport Family YMCA
Special Quotes and Stories

• "Our 2 year old foster child knows where we're going when we turn on Eastman Rd. He throws his arms in the air and screams, "the Y!". He enjoys Child Watch so much and it has helped him start to be around other children in a safe environment. He has been through a lot and this experience is great for him." -Y member, identity protected



• "I was going through some pictures on my computer and ran across one 2 years ago. I weighed about 305 then and when I weighed in yesterday at the "Y" I weighed 229. This is the lowest I have been since I was about 13. Thank you for the work that you and all the staff do and for providing a place for people to get healthy and feel so much better about themselves." -email from a YMCA member



• "I see Child Watch ladies every day, and I trust them with my children. They're very special to my kids. There's a trust there. They say "are we going to OUR Y?". With the Y, I can make a lifestyle change: I can take care of my body while my kids are cared for in a safe, family setting." -Y member and mother of two sets of twins



• "Some of the most touching scenes come through my interviews with people needing assistance for one of our programs. One at the forefront of my mind was a mother with two children that needed our Day Camp program in the summer. She was a single parent trying to make ends meet. The two children were trying to patiently wait just outside my door, but kept peeking in saying, "can we go? Do you know if we can go yet?". After reviewing the mother's financial situation, I offered her a reduced price for our services and she gave them a nod of approval. Both children ran in my office and asked if they could give me a hug. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" was the overwhelming response from both children. That's what the Y is all about!" -Audra Moore, Business Manager



• "I like the people that work here; it's a good place to be. I keep my granddaughter after school and the YMCA allows her to workout as well. The Y is a place we can enjoy together." -Y member