For Stefanie Shafer, the Kosciusko Community YMCA’s before and after school program and its focus on nurturing the potential of her nephew, Logan, has been a life-saver.

Because Logan’s parents are currently without a secure home for him, she raises him through the week. Kids’ Club provides some of the consistency Logan, as an autistic 7-year-old child, needs in his life.

According to Kathy Gagnon, the site director where Logan attends Kids’ Club, the YMCA’s Before and After School program, when he started Logan was very introverted, had few social skills and didn’t play well with others. After attending Kids’ Club almost every day through this school year, Logan loves going to Kids’ Club, interacting with the other kids and is developing social skills. He even learned how to tie his shoes!

Logan never wants to leave at the end of the day. Stefanie is comforted knowing he is cared for and is getting help on his homework while she is at work. To ensure that the Y can impact other lives the way Logan’s has been impacted, the Kosciusko Community YMCA is launching its annual community support campaign in February.

As a leading nonprofit for strengthening community, financial gifts to the Y will help Kosciusko County advance programming and services that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. More importantly, gifts to the Kosciusko Community YMCA make a direct impact on residents right here in Warsaw and surrounding areas.

Last year, financial support made it possible for 158 families to afford a YMCA membership and participate in all the Y has to offer. Because of financial assistance 28 children gained sportsmanship and teamwork skills in Youth Sports, 49 children developed confidence in gymnastics, 45 children were cared for in a safe, secure environment, 36 participated in our Camp Little Eagle summer day camp program and 44 children were able to take potentially life-saving swim lessons.

“We all need the Y because our organization works every day to nurture the potential of kids, improve health and well-being and help neighbors support one another,” said Chad Zaucha, CEO. “With our community support campaign, we want more people to understand that we are more than a place to go to exercise or swim – and that we rely on their financial support to do our vital work.”

This year, the Kosciusko Community YMCA hopes to raise $65,000 during their Community Support Campaign. Funds raised will support youth development and healthy living programs for those who cannot afford them. In 2012 the Y provided $136,685.96 in financial assistance to give everyone access to the opportunities at the Y.

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Summer Zimmer, Director of Communications and Social Responsibility at 574-269-9622 or [email protected].