We Build People
Everyone has a Y Story. You can help write the next one.
At the Y, we believe that in order to bring about meaningful change, we all need ongoing encouragement. We’re here day in and day out to provide resources needed by the community to address the most pressing social issues – from childhood obesity to graduation rates. But it’s only through the support of the community that we can empower every child, adult and family to achieve healthy, confident and connected lives. Our movement is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life, all working side-by-side to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. There are stories happening every day at the Y – stories with happy endings. But in order to write the endings of more stories, we need your help. Take look at some Y stories that you’ve helped make happier.
Help us Strengthen our community by donating to our We Build People Campaign today. CLICK HERE or you can download our pledge card.
You can help too. Support Healthy Living by donating to our We Build People Campaign today. CLICK HERE or you can download our pledge card.
Giving Back
Summer camp at the Y has been a traditional—and much anticipated—part of Summer Stiebel’s existence for more than half her life. The fifteen-year-old Chapel Hill girl recalls participating in the Y’s cheerleading camp through her elementary school years before “graduating” to experiences at Camp Clearwater and EDGE Teen Camp.
“I love the Y! The counselors taught us so much—canoeing, archery, soccer, swimming, etc.—and made everything so much fun,” Summer says. “I couldn’t wait to go to Y camp in the summertime!”
In addition to new and engaging activities, the Y introduced Summer to four core values—honesty, respect, responsibility and caring–that have been increasingly useful to her now that she is in high school. “Each week of camp centered on one of those values, and the activities taught us how to put them to practical use. As I’ve gotten older, those lessons have helped me navigate challenging situations in my own life, and for that I am grateful,” she says.
As a teenager, Summer has served as an assistant counselor. “Working at Camp Clearwater gives me an opportunity to give back to the Y in appreciation for everything it has done for me. When I work with the kids I think, ‘I used to be one of them,’ and it’s awesome to know I am helping to make a difference in their lives.”
At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, more young people in our community are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.
Find out more about how the Y is affecting the lives of youth in our community today
A Place to Belong
Dave was 40 years old when he joined the Y, on the heels of major life changes. He’d lost his dad along with others close to him. He’d been through a tough divorce and serious back problems. Doctors told Dave he’d have those back problems the rest of his life and his lifestyle would be limited at best.
He’d have to give up yard work, gardening, and worst of all, he wouldn’t be able to play ball with his son or chase him around his yard. When he joined the Y, he started to play noon pickup basketball with other men. It was there he discoverd a network of acquantences that soon became friends. He began working out – just a little at first – while playing basketball.
His strength came back and he developed close bonds with his basketball friends. With the help of the We Build People Campaign, Dave had a safe place to come when things got tough, and in doing so, found somewhere he belongs.
The Y is dedicated to supporting our community by offering opportunities for healthy living to everyone. Each year, through our We Build People Campaign, we offer scholarships to hundreds of people right here in our community. But to do that, we need your help. Supporting the We Build People Campaign means supporting your neighbors. And that guarantees a return on investment. You can help the Y by GIVING TODAY. Click HERE to donate to the Y today.
Claudia Silva: Proof Positive
CLAUDIA SILVA IS PROOF THAT, WITH A LITTLE HELP AND A LITTLE DETERMINATION, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
Claudia Silva has learned that hard work and discipline can reap life-changing rewards. By committing to a healthier lifestyle and making full use of her Y membership, she has lost 70 pounds.
Claudia had always struggled with her weight and, when her family joined the Y in 2006, she was nearing 200 lbs. A workout on the treadmill in the gym was cut short when she started feeling dizzy after just 15 minutes. She decided that exercising wasn’t “going to work” for her, but encouraged her children – Carlos, Luis and Nadia – as well as her husband, Miguel, and mother, Judith, to continue frequenting the Y, particularly the swimming program.
About two years later, she had an epiphany. After struggling to reposition herself in bed one night, she realized how severe her weight problem had become. “I thought to myself, ‘Claudia! You cannot be this way and burden your children or husband with your bad health. They deserve a life. You deserve to be healthy.’”
She returned to the Y, at first to walk and swim, and eventually added exercise classes to her routine. She tried stretching, step classes, low-impact aerobics and water aerobics – anything to keep moving. Most recently, she’s added running to her regimen.
The increased activity level motivated Claudia to change her diet, eliminating sodas, reducing portion size and increasing her consumption of fruits and vegetables. Within a few months, she lost 20 pounds. Claudia consulted with a nutritionist for additional guidance, all the while continuing to exercise at the Y. Eight months later, her total weight loss reached 70 pounds and she dropped from a size 14/16 to a 2/4.
“I love the Y! My classes and the people I meet there keep me motivated and encouraged, and help me improve my English,” Claudia says. In addition, having Y staff member Dorothy available to answer her fitness questions in her native Spanish is also very helpful.
Slimming down has given Claudia the energy to keep up with her kids so the entire family remains active year-round. Every physical task – even breathing – is easier, and her improved health has boosted her immunity to colds and flu.
When she returns to visit family in Mexico City, Claudia is struck by the number of women and children who are obese. “Unlike Chapel Hill, the community is not focused on good health,” she says.
But Claudia is taking it upon herself to show others what can happen when you commit to change. “I have an old sandwich bag in my purse with pictures of me — before and after – and I show them to people to help inspire them,” she says. “Change is possible, but it has to start in here (pointing to her head). You have to want it.”
The Y is dedicated to supporting our community by offering opportunities for healthy living to everyone. Each year, through our We Build People Campaign, we offer scholarships to hundreds of people right here in our community. But to do that, we need your help. Supporting the We Build People Campaign means supporting your neighbors. And that guarantees a return on investment. You can help the Y by GIVING TODAY. Click HERE to donate to the Y today.
A Summer of Fun, A Lifetime of Memories
Suzie was 8 years old and couldn’t sleep because she was so excited about going back to Camp Clearwater. Her parents couldn’t sleep for another reason. Suzie’s father had just been diagnosed with cancer, only weeks after her grandmother’s house burned down. Suzie’s mom didn’t sign up her daughter for camp. How could she with everything going on? When the Y’s camp director noticed that Suzie wasn’t signed up, he made a phone call and explained to Suzie’s mom that the We Build People campaign provides help for anyone who needs it. Through We Build People, you’re helping the Y to strengthen our community, so kids like Suzie can make friends for life each summer. Thanks to your support, Suzie got to go to camp and can’t stop talking about plans for next year.
You can help us change lives too. To donate to our We Build People Campaign today, CLICK HERE or you can download our pledge card.
Lessons for LIfe
After nearly drowning as a child, Tina Joyner stayed away from all bodies of water. But she wanted to overcome her fear, especially since her children showed an interest in water activities. She enrolled her kids in Y swim lessons, and her husband Earl suggested the whole family take lessons. Tina overcame her fear of the water, through the support of the Y’s aquatics staff, and the whole family learned to swim. Through funds provided by the We Build People campaign, the Joyners were able to receive the financial assistance they needed to participate. The whole experience boosted Tina’s self-esteem and now she’s gone back to school at a local community college, which has been a goal of hers for many years. Earl says, “I can’t thank the Y enough for what they did for us. It’s a real community. We are truly blessed to be a part of the Y!”
You can help us change lives too. To donate to our We Build People Campaign today, CLICK HERE or you can download our pledge card.