Making a Positive Impact

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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Group of people at a tree dedication at the Riverfront YMCA

Rooted at the Riverfront YMCA

Mission Moments
A pin oak tree can live up to 120 years. The life cycle of a legend is infinite. Both timelines are integral to the Green Man Tree Planting Project of the Celtic Club, who were instrumental in planting four such species in varying locations in Northeast Ohio, including the Riverfront YMCA.
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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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