Charla and Charlo
Seven year old Charla is in the second grade at Duncan Chapel Elementary. She has been in the George I. Theisen YMCA afterschool program for three years and has had many successes. In kindergarten, her first year attending afterschool, Charla was not getting well with others and was upset by having to be at school and in afterschool care all day. After some time in the program, Charla learned YMCA character values (respect, responsibility, honesty and caring) and is now more disciplined in school and respectful of her teachers and counselors. Charla's father, Charlo, is a cheerful, supportive and caring single parent who is glad to have his daughter in a safe, fun environment every afternoon. Due to the economic downturn, Charlo has at times been unemployed. Because of the Open Doors campaign, the Y has been able to give financial assistance to this family. Charlo has always paid whatever fee he could and the donors to the YMCA have made up the difference. And what a difference it has made! Charla's counselors have said, "Charla is a respectful little girl who has matured by leaps and bounds. Charla is now the first one on the field for sports and has a bunch of friends in the program. Her big, bright smile is contagious!"
Celeste, Taylor, Dane and Carson
"I have longed for many years to send my three boys to a camp, but being a single mother it just wasn't possible. I was pleasantly surprised to find out about Camp Greenville's Open Doors Community Support Program. I filled out the required paperwork immediately. My boys got accepted! This was the answer to a prayer as my boys have been through very difficult times over the past six years with several deaths in the family. They also haven't had a great deal of male bonding. But they always been taught to stand tall, pull up your boot straps, dust off and keep going.
They could hardly sleep the night before I dropped them at Camp because they were so excited. When the week was over and I went to pick them up, they looked so sad to go. The first thing they said was, "Can we come back next year?" They knew all the camp songs. They went on and on about the cool counselors and how funny they were. I could tell that they trusted them. Camp Greenville has had such a huge impact on my three boys. Thank you for making my boys' dreams come true!"
Clara
"I have multiple sclerosis, ITB, a balance syndrome, leg problems, and bladder problems. I was diagnosed with this illness when my kids were 9 and 11. My ex husband left when he found out I had it so I had to raise my children on my own. My neurologist, rheumatologist and my physical therapist suggested that I start pool therapy but I couldn't afford it. My physical therapist said: ‘I teach over at the Y, I know they have scholarships.' I exercise in the pool at the GHS Y three times a week. This has enabled me to walk. The Y has also been a social outlet for me. It helped me meet other people which would normally be hard because I'm all by myself. My income is so low. Between my rent, my electric bill and my medical expenses, there are times when I have to decide- do I get food or do I get my medicine?
I wouldn't be able to come to the Y if it weren't for the Open Doors scholarship program. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!! If it wasn't for the Y, I wouldn't be walking around, I wouldn't be able to do any of the things I do: I wouldn't be able to cut my grass and walk up and down the stairs. You are giving me my life!"
Andres and Aaron
"The YMCA and the Open Doors Community Support program has given my son and me many opportunities. The scholarship program gives single parents like me, with low income, the opportunity to be a part of a Christian community with values. It gives our children a chance to develop social skills and be a part of sports and other activities that I would otherwise not be able to afford. The afterschool program has been a big help to me. It gives me the opportunity to work and go to school while knowing that my son is in a good, healthy environment. This is important for our future and my ability to provide for my son, as I am a single father. This program has helped me greatly and I am happy to donate my time coaching soccer. I enjoy being able to give back to the YMCA while being able to spend time with my son. I am thankful for the Open Doors Community Support program and the opportunities it has given us."
OD Williams
At the age of 66, OD Williams was informed by his doctor that he was borderline diabetic and may have to go on medications if he did not make some major lifestyle modifications. His doctor referred him to the YMCA's Wellness Way program, a six week holistic approach to exercise and healthy living. After six weeks, OD lost ten lbs and two inches and feels good about himself and he does not need medication. After completing the program, he wanted to continue using the Y, but he needed financial assistance. He learned about the Open Doors Community Support program and applied. Because of the Open Doors financial assistance that he receives, he and his wife Birdie are now members. They make exercise a priority and look forward to a bright and healthy future.
Luke
"We are truly thankful to the Eastside YMCA for many reasons. Our youngest son, Luke, is a brain injury survivor. In the acute or beginning phase, he was not walking and the doctor wanted him to be able to do this in a pool. We were excited that the Eastside Y was close to home and had the correct water temperature. There was only one major drawback- my work hours were reduced because of taking care of Luke and finances were tight. We were directed to the Open Doors Community Support program and even though we were looking for something to benefit Luke, we were offered a scholarship for the entire family!
This year, we have been blessed in the fact that we were able to come off the scholarship program, giving someone else the opportunity to reap the blessings we have had over these past years. Luke has been able to volunteer on Wednesdays for several hours at the front desk checking in members, an added reward to be able to give back."
Leslie and Rashaad
"I'm 38 years old. I'm single and I have one son. I was diagnosed with lupus in 2005. When you have an immune disease such as lupus it can make you depressed and it is hard to work out due to bone and muscles issues. Ever since I have been a member of the Y, my blood levels have been great. Before, I used to get sick very often to the point I had to be out of work for long periods of times. The Y has been a blessing, it gives me energy; it keeps me going…this is my outlet! I enjoy walking and jogging on the indoor track; I do weights, and take classes. My son comes too; he plays basketball all the time. The Y has helped me because I couldn't afford to pay a full membership, due to medical bills and being a single parent. The Open Doors financial assistance has helped me and my son- it has kept him away from the streets. He has a place to go and the environment is awesome! "
Alan
When Alan ran for Youth in Government Speaker of the House in 2010, he said, "I'm not a native South Carolinian. I had to earn that blessing." Alan's family came to South Carolina through a series of moves that took them from their native Korea to Thailand to Las Vegas and, eventually, to Greenville. Alan is a star student at Riverside High School, and has excelled in Youth in Government. He has been a member of the South Carolina delegation to CONA, the national Youth in Government Conference, and will serve as Speaker of the House in 2011. Without the Open Doors Scholarship Program, Alan would not have been able to participate in Youth in Government. A devout Christian, Alan uses the word "blessed" frequently. He spent the summer in Korea, visiting his ailing grandparents. In an e-mail from Korea, he said, "After seeing the bigger world I have learned the importance of serving others, which is a key part of the YMCA. Thank you again, I am glad to be a part of the blessed YIG program."