WE ALL NEED THE Y

We believe that lasting personal and social change happens when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our community.

As a nonprofit organization, we never turn away anyone who needs us. Your gift to the 2022 Annual Campaign will support the Y’s important work, including:  giving kids a safe place to learn and grow after school and in the summer, feeding the most vulnerable families in our area, and providing people of all ages the opportunity to learn water safety and swimming.

Now, more than ever, the community needs the YMCA of Greenville. We ask you to join us to make a positive difference.
 

FAMILY

Throughout the year, the Y provides a safe, enriching place for children to learn and grow. In our Afterschool, Summer Day Camp, and Preschool programs, Y staff help children develop cognitive, physical, and social skills like making friends or completing homework. For Jennifer Maitland, three of her five children spend summer days at the YMCA Judson Community Center. Without financial assistance, it wouldn’t be possible. “I don’t have to worry about their not being cared for and loved because that’s what they do here. They love them.”

COMMUNITY

Each week, the Y Food Program serves hundreds of people across Greenville County, including Kane Carr, his wife, and son. Kane and his family live at a local motel, struggling financially after a series of employment and health challenges. Kane said the money saved from groceries that they don't have to buy, enables his wife to fill her gas tank for work each week. "It really helps us out,” Kane said. “It's a real blessing. It has made life a whole lot easier. We are just starting over and trying to make ends meet."

RESPONSIBILITY

At the YMCA Greenville, we believe everyone should learn to swim. It is a great way to stay in shape, and it is a life-saving skill for children and adults. Nelzarie Drake was inspired to take lessons after her son and daughter learned to swim. “I was terrified of the water,” she said, but she is getting more comfortable every day, even staying after class to practice. “It’s a blessing to be able to actually get in and be able to participate, to get under the water and be able to see. It means the world to me to get over the fear of the water.” Nelzarie is not alone. The Y serves people of all ages every day, through private and group swim and safety around the water lessons.