Before John began coming to the Y, he was wheelchair bound by multiple sclerosis. John was told by doctors that exercise would be good for him, though he'd never walk or swim again. He came to the YMCA to see if there was some form of exercise he could do and was drawn to the pool where he took swim lessons from a Y instructor. Four years later John is not only walking in the water, he now swims 350-500 yards independently up to twice a week. As a result of John’s hard work and the Y offering financial support for aquatics lessons, he is now also able to independently transfer himself from his from his bed to his chair, and from his chair to the chairlift in the Aquatics Center.  

“The Y is my second family - this is my Y.” - John 

From front desks, pools, forests, and more – your support holds together the fabric of our community.  Young adults are being housed instead of sleeping on the street. High school students are receiving a strong education through our Y Scholars program. Campers are exploring the outdoors for the first time and learning valuable leadership skills. Children are learning new skills to grow into smart, resilient adults.  

Together, through our 14 branches, two overnight camps, and hundreds of program sites across King and south Snohomish counties, we’re tackling our community’s most urgent needs. We’re giving people hope for a better future, and the means to achieve it. But we need your help. That's what our Annual Community Campaign is all about. It’s your chance to invest in the lives and futures of your neighbors. Every dollar raised during the campaign will go to your local Y to provide financial aid and support so that everyone has access to Y programs and facilities.

Starting in February, you’ll begin to see your local YMCA decorated for our Annual Community Campaign theme, The Y is Where Communities Thrive. Ask a staff member at your local branch to see how you can help your community thrive or give a gift online to support your local Y.