Mission In Action
In some way or another, nearly all of our members have been impacted by the four things that make The Granite YMCA community so strong:
By sharing these stories, members provide a glimpse into what makes The Granite YMCA a unique community. Please consider sharing your Y story with us!
Stories of Impact
"Y START has changed my life because in 2014, when I came to the START program, I learned how to speak English. START showed me how to be responsible and be respectful. I like my START teachers because they show me new things and to be a better person. This is why I appreciate and love START.START is a good place because when I am sad, they make me happy. I like my friends and teachers because they help me with my homework and care about me. START teachers also do very fun activities with me. I wish I could be here next year because I really enjoy START." – Rachell
"The Y staff has always been so respectful and helpful. It is a real blessing that I have been able to connect with the Y." Participating in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has played an important role in Penny’s recovery process. Penny is now a volunteer with the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program and helps to introduce new friends to the program in Manchester. – Member & LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Participant
"My son has had such a great summer. The staff is always about the kids and they really put a lot of thought and time in planning the activities, themes and events. It's organized and I feel like my child is safe and genuinely cared for." – Camp Parent
"I really enjoyed spending time learning about nutrition and eating better. Ms. Erin helped me understand that food really does affect your health. Because of this program, my goal is to be healthy not skinny. This has also motivated me to become more active in my daily life. The whole program is wonderful for kids because we do all different types of activities to show exercise can actually be fun." – Prescribe the Y Participant
"The Y has been my foundation, my locker room, my solace, my meeting ground for nearly 50 years!! It is here that I train for triathlons, strength train, do yoga (the magic bullet!) hone my skills in clinics and classes, and most importantly touch base with friends, training partners and talk to the best members and greeters every day!" – Lynda L.
"My husband, Phil & I love it! We use the Expression Bikes every day averaging 10 to 20 miles a day! Plus we work out on the machines. The Staff is Great, very helpful & energetic! Equipment is top notch & well maintained. This has greatly improved his control of his Diabetes! Thank You YMCA!" – Nancy G.
"The YMCA Early Learning Center has been very helpful with my daughter’s social skills and has been helpful in all areas of her development as we look forward to getting her ready for kindergarten." – Early Learning Center Participant Parent
"My kids are in the after school program and love it. They help with homework. Have snack and activity. Sometimes they have crafts too. Very helpful for the working mom!" – Julie
"No one had pushed me harder or saw more potential in me then trainer josh! I can't explain what that man has helped me accomplished over the last few months. Being only 124 lbs I can now dead lift 140lbs, bench 95lbs and so much more all thanks to him. He pushes you to your absolute limit, and encourages you every step of the way. He will walk around the gym and help with anything you need!" – Amber R.
"I love the Y and at this specific location, the pool is amazing, the classes are great, there is such a variety of workout and i really love the family friendly atmosphere. It’s my happy place." – Katie J.
"I didn’t realize I had the potential to be a role model. Since my first visit to the teen center, the staff has made me realize my leadership potential. I have learned to be respectful and kind because it matters. I have gone from a kid with nowhere to go to a kid who makes a difference. I belong and others count on me!" – Ishmael
"Throughout my 86 years, I have never been one who was into any exercise. I did participate (reluctantly) in sport activities, such as badminton, tennis, and swimming, but definitely without enthusiasm or any longing to improve my skills. While I did not find joy in these areas of exercise, I did find that I always approached yard work with fervor. Mowing the lawn, gardening, and other outdoor tasks kept me happy and active. My full time job also kept me moving until the age of 75 when I became less active in my daily life." – Member
"As I approached my 80s, the media was constantly telling me how beneficial exercise was and I started to become more aware of my body’s changes due to aging. That was when I decided to look to the YMCA for exercise. My Y experience started out slowly with a low-impact class and aquatic exercise. I didn’t find or feel changes in my body after a year of classes, but I found that I was enjoying the workouts and my time spent at the Y. Gradually, I did start to feel stronger and steadier, which gave me the confidence to try different types of exercise like yoga and lap swimming." – Member
"Many classes were tested, and many were out of my comfort zone. I discarded most due to the fast pace of the class or the time of day that they were offered. I still enjoyed going to the Y for exercise though so I continued showing up. I ended up finding classes that did work for me, my favorites being Pilates and PiYo. I have spent the past year going at least four days a week taking an exercise class followed by fifteen to twenty minutes of lap swimming." – Member
"I use both the YMCA of Downtown Manchester and the YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown. Both facilities are different yet each is remarkable, having numerous programs with competent instructors. I am thankful for the opportunities the Y has given me and that I have continued to feel support in staying active and healthy as my body changes." – Micki
"I started my journey in Y STRIVE after being suspended from school. I was an angry girl who trusted no one. The Teen Services staff never gave up on me. They have continued to support me even though it’s been five years since my first visit. They have seen me through many difficult times. The Teen Center is my safe haven. I have grown so much and am so grateful for the support the Y has given me; I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for you." – Kia
"I would like to mention how grateful I am for the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program and my thanks to you for offering it to me. It has been a wonderful opportunity to be with others who have had set backs in their life as we encourage each other with support and positive motivation." – LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Participant
"The YMCA has always been part of our lives. My children came to the Y and now my grandchildren come to the Y. My daughter Pamela and I have volunteered in various capacities, my daughter Cathy serves as a volunteer fitness leader, and my daughter Lisa has been a member over the years. It really has become part of the fabric of our family." – Janet D., Member, Volunteer & Donor
"STAY was a perfect outlet for my energies, but it also taught me that I could be different. Things could be different. Life could be what I wanted it to be. It wasn’t easy to change things, but I knew that things could be changed. I wanted things to be different. I wanted to be different." – Erich
"I cannot express to you what a gift Camp Mi-Te-Na turned out to be for my son. He thrived and loved every minute of the experience. I truly believe that this was a life changing event for him. He is a teenage boy trying to decide who he wants to be, and camp helped him put some of his choices in perspective. Working with boys this age can be difficult. My son was able to find friends his age that were enthusiastic about all kinds of different interests. He has accumulated quite a few sports trophies over the years, but the item he is most proud of is the “crescent” medal he earned for waterfront. He explained that it was more than just being good at something, but it was about how he treated everyone, his peers and counselors. I sent you a boy and got back a young man that is on his way to become a tremendous leader that I am very proud of." – C. McCarry
“Camp Foss has played an important role in growing my leadership skills. I can’t thank the counselors enough for the amazing experience. The time I’ve spent at Camp Foss was the time of my life. I made so many great friends that I still stay in touch with. My counselors were true role models. I only hope that someday I can become a counselor and make as much of a difference in other campers lives as they did for me.” – D. Damsell
Share with us how the Y has changed your life. Grab your camera and send us your video or photo and share your story about how the Y has helped benefit you and your community.
Send Your Y Story To:
Kim Harty, Director of Strategy and Partnerships
603.994.4115 | kharty@graniteymca.org
