Y Stories

YOUNG WOMEN OF COLOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM After a successful pilot launch, the YMCA of Greater Rochester is excited to offer the Young Women of Color Leadership Program. The goal of the program is to create an inclusive representation on our YMCA branch & camp Boards of Management with the strong, insightful voices of young women of color.

LEARNING LABS AT YMCA CENTER FOR EQUITY BRIDGING VIRTUAL GAP Tyshawn is in kindergarten. When he came to the YMCA Center for Equity at Lewis Street at the start of the school year, it was his first time in any sort of learning environment.

UPLIFTING BLACK VOICES IN ROCHESTER COMMUNITY PROJECT SHINES LIGHT ON LOCAL LEADERS It was the end of May 2020. Much of the country was socially isolated due to the pandemic. Times were tough enough with that. But things would get even tougher for many, including long-time YMCA of Greater Rochester volunteer Jeanne Strazzabosco, following the death of George Floyd.

MY Y STORY: HENRY’S REASON TO SWIM MEMBER SWIMS FINGER LAKES, FUNDRAISES FOR SWIM LESSONS Henry Smith, 17, has been swimming practically since he was born. “I learned to swim at the Monroe YMCA in the ‘Mommy and Me’ classes,” he said. “Most people think swimming is an individual sport, but everyone is constantly pushing each other to do their best which I like.”

CURRENT GUIDELINES AT THE YMCA OUR FOCUS REMAINS ON SAFETY OF MEMBERS AND STAFF It has been a long journey but we are proud to be serving our community once again! Everything we have done has been completed with the safety of our members and staff as our No. 1 priority. Please note that this information will be continuously updated.

MY Y STORY: KARI’S GROWTH AT THE Y HOW COMING TO THE Y HAS HELPED HER PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY Five days a week, without fail, you will find Kari Morse, 38, at the Corning Family YMCA.

MY Y STORY: DIANE’S LIVESTRONG JOURNEY HOW THE PROGRAM GAVE HER A SUPPORT SYSTEM Diane Rehse is a survivor. She was diagnosed with, and treated for, melanoma and ovarian cancer.

MY Y STORY: MARC & JUAN’S BROTHERLY LOVE HOW THE Y HELPED THE SIBLINGS BOND OVER HEALTHY LIVING

MY Y STORY: LINNETTE’S HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS HOW COMING TO THE Y HELPED LOWER A1C LEVELS Linnette Samuels can’t let too much time go by between her visits to the The Thurston Road YMCA Neighborhood Center.