As Eileen’s family grew, the Y was a place of support, fun, and fitness. She loved to come to the Y because of the family-friendly atmosphere, and it gave her a place to focus on herself and her health.

But the financial struggles of raising a large family, combined with her husband’s hours being reduced at work, eventually forced Eileen to cancel her membership. Eileen started battling depression, and felt isolated without her support network of fellow Y members and staff. But the Y was there for her.

Thanks to a donor-funded scholarship, the Y welcomed Eileen and her family with open arms. When Eileen finished the paperwork to reinstate her family membership, she was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I went out to my car and cried because I was so happy to be back at the Y,” Eileen says. “It truly is my happy place. I know everyone at the Y is here to encourage and support me. The Y has helped my family become stronger, happier, and healthier.”