Success Stories
Scott found the independence and freedom for new possibilitiesIn December, 2004, Scott was hit by a car while riding his mountain bike home from a late-night band practice on Folsom Street He broke his C7 vertebrae, paralyzing him from the waist down and ending his days of mountain biking in Marin County. During rehab, he saw the film Murderball and was inspired to find his way to our Saturday afternoon Wheelchair Rugby class to build strength, community, knowledge and confidence. He’s become a regular in our Exercise Made for People with Disabilities program and in wheelchair rugby. Pope now has the strength to take on some of his favorite trails with his wheelchair and he's become one of our star rugby players. Before my injury I was a drummer in high-energy, head-banging rock bands playing shows in the Bay Area. Playing rugby in group exercise class is the only thing I’ve found that gives me the same high-energy, hard-driving adrenaline rush now. I love it. When I got out of rehab at the hospital it felt like Mount Everest. Working out at the Y with the program opens up all kinds of independence and freedom so you don’t have to wait for other people to meet you and help you. I couldn’t put a price on how much it helps me.
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Veevi found a community to help achieve her dream of finishing high school and attending a UCWhen Veevi Deng’s boyfriend was killed in a drive-by shooting, the native San Franciscio Excelsior teen became depressed, fell behind in her studies at Galileo High School and dropped out for two years Eventually, a friend brought her to a YMCA supportive services program and her case manager there told her about Youth Chance High School. For 32 years, Youth Chance has helped San Francisco teens who have dropped out or been kicked out of high school move on to their adult lives with dignity, community, skills and credentials. Courses include: workplace technology, life skills, rooftop gardening, portfolio presentation, YMCA achievers, mindful meditation, online academics with NovaNET, newsletter and Youth & Government. They also meet mentors and prepare a portfolio of work for college entry and future employers. Veevi now attends City College of San Francisco and wants to become a veterinarian. I’ve gotten over a lot and I actually like going to school here. I do the work and the teachers help me whenever I need help. I keep telling myself that I might get into UC San Diego and that keeps me trying. |
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Esme gained confidence and self esteem at summer campEsme attends the Orrick Year-Round Enrichment Program at Bessie Carmichael Elementary run by the Embarcadero YMCA Her parents were both laid off last year. She spent five weeks at the Embarcadero YMCA summer camp. Thanks to our donors’ generosity, the Embarcadero YMCA was able to offer her a scholarship and since she has a learning disability, she was matched with a special-needs counselor. Her parents described the summer experience as “amazing.” She has had so much fun and grown so much, learning about herself and the Bay Area as a whole. You have given her opportunities that right now, her father and I cannot provide. Since being at camp, her self esteem and confidence have grown so much. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. |
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