West Side YMCA

The Y has changed me in so many ways. But what they’ve given me the most is the opportunity to be me. The Y allows me to take what I love to do and help change people’s lives. The best gift that the Y gives anyone is allowing them to be themselves.

Samantha Cruz's experience at YMCA Day Camps started when she was just 5 years old. Her journey comes full circle, as she now stands as the Camp Director of the Dodge YMCA.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Y. They’ve helped me with college applications. I’ve done community service projects. It’s the shoulder I need to keep me up. A safe zone where you can be yourself. The YMCA is a way of life.

With sizzling temperatures and endless distractions, summer can be one of the hardest times to stay motivated. But the benefits of exercise — weight loss, increased energy, improved immune system, better health — are the same for every season, even when you’re faced with the heat of summer!

I’m not just teaching someone how to swim, I’m teaching core values they will have for life. Values that will build their confidence and character, so they can succeed in the real world. That’s what’s really special about the Y. We can help everyone who walks through our doors.

My family basically lives at the YMCA. We started coming a decade ago for preschool and sent all four kids. Everything you could possibly do, we do it. Basketball, swimming, summer camp, ballet, the gym. The best part is the people. The Y gave us a community. Our children grew up here. I really can’t say enough about the Y.

I’ve been at the Y for 60 years. It’s more than a gym, it’s my church. I’m here three days a week at 5am. A lot has changed over the years, but I’ve always found people I can connect with.