Making a Positive Impact

Jon Labbe at the Firestone Park YMCA

A Lifetime Member

Jon Labbe, who visits the Y an average of 5 days a week, recalls his time growing up just a block away from the Firestone Park YMCA, where he attended the Y’s after-school program. “One day was tumbling and another day was dodge ball, and another day was relay races. And they had all these activities, including archery, when we got older.”
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Donna Roberson on the News Post template

I Need This in My Life

I Need This in My Life Donna Roberson “The Y gives me something to look forward to. I need this in my life.” To look at her, you’d never guess the rough road that long-time Y member, Donna Roberson, has traveled. Numerous surgeries, dialysis, low energy and weight gain had her sidelined and unable to continue to work.
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Josh and Nicole Collins

Friends Forever

Friends Forever Gordon Popeko and Denise Mealey Over 40 years ago, Denise met Gordon through her first husband. And, although her marriage ended when husband passed away, her friendship and care for Gordon has been everlasting.
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One Step at a Time text with a photo of Jeff Francis

One Step at a Time

“Once you get sober you recognize everything that you were doing and it’s like holy cow, my life has become a complete mess so I have to turn things around.”
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Giving Them a Reason to Get Up

When you've been active all you life, you want to remain active.  The Y gives members like Mary and Mike a reason to get in gear - every day -- to see friends and be healthy. 

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Get Moving with this Mom

Ashley came to the Y looking for a little time for herself.  But, this energetic Mom found a whole new lease on life -- as well as a new career at the Y. 

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Grandma Penny and her Kids from Karen

Connecting immigrant children to a community of love, strong values and acceptance from all, was a goal of  Grandma Penny and her sister.  Add in gymnastics, soccer, swimming and horseback riding for a result that is life changing for everyone.

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The Wallace Family

Providing a caring place for children has been a core component of the Akron Area Y.  But, when kids love it so much that they want their birthday parties here ... well, that truly IS icing on the cake.

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