THE Y FOR

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

We focus our work in three key areas, because nurturing the potential of kids, helping people live healthier, and supporting our neighbors are fundamental to strengthening communities.

MISSION VALLEY YMCA • PROGRAMS • SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Y STORIES

YStories

Members of Interest and Inspiration

Our members have some great stories, and we want to share them with you! This page is devoted to sharing the interesting and inspiring life experiences of our members. We're sure there are many stories out there, so we hope you'll fill us in. And please consider the many ways you can join us in helping to make a positive impact in the community. Learn more about volunteering and getting involved with your Y.

Win 3 months membership!

We want to hear your stories so badly that we're giving out prizes for them! Use the comment box (see below) to submit your story, and you will have the chance to win three months of membership dues ON US! (one giveaway per facility.)

Community

The last four years

There's been lots of talk lately about the last four years, so, today we ask you:

Are you more healthy or fit today vs. four years ago? What's your plan for the next four years?

Tell us your Y story and you could get your membership covered for three months, just like J.J. Knightly, who is certainly in better health today versus four years ago.


Read her Team Challenge blog and find out how this determined woman took charge of her health!


Meet our members

Nora & Cameron Hussey


Nora Hussey's 9-year-old grandson comes to visit from South Carolina every summer. He is a bright and energetic boy, and he is autistic. He is a beautiful child, she says, but as you can imagine, it’s challenging for a retired grandmother with multiple sclerosis to channel the energy of a young boy and minimize the frustration he experiences when he communicates. So, she turned to the Y. Read more...



Roderick Sewell


Roderick Sewell learned to swim at the Mission Valley YMCA & is now training for the 2016 Paralympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro. Read more...



Nelson Vargas

After morning practices with the masters program, Nelson Vargas watched kids from two Linda Vista elementary schools shuttling in and out of the indoor pool at Mission Valley. Unfortunately, many of them are unable to afford bathing suits, so he watched as kids learned to swim in cut jeans, shorts, pants, etc. He had an idea. Read more...



The Knitters


If you’re ever at Hazard Center, you may happen upon a growing group of ladies with a shared interest. They don’t come to work out on the treadmill or take a yoga class, though some do that on their own. They come to spend time with each other, trade stories — and knit. Read more...



Jacob Thater

"Youth & Government made me more confident in public speaking, which has already helped me in college. I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had without the Y." Read more...


Peter Attia

At first glance, Peter Attia looks like your average, physically fit, 38-year-old. And he is. What you might not realize is how healthy he really is and what he ate to get there. After extensive reading and studying, Peter had an epiphany: Fat can be your friend. The key is to teach your body to burn it instead of storing it. Intrigued? We surely were. Read more....


Patricia Poston

Patricia Poston read the stories on this page and was inspired to share her own. This military spouse enrolled herself in a Y nutrition class and went to work reclaiming her health. Read more...





Cheryl Anderson


Cheryl Andersen has been a foster parent for more than a decade. She’s been a mother, teacher, counselor, and mentor for dozens of young people of all ages. She’s worked hard to provide a sense of normalcy for children in a situation that’s anything but, and as long as she can remember, Mission Valley YMCA’s summer camps have been a large part of that. Read more...

Jennifer Whitton

Jen Whitton joined the YMCA in 2005 to get into shape. Not a regular exerciser or a natural athlete, she was anxious about going to a gym. By her own estimation, she was overweight, and while she wanted to get into shape, she was terrified to work out in a traditional "gym" setting, regularly coaxing friends to come with her. Read more...




John Holman

At 72 years old, John Holman finished his third Ironman triathlon at Kona. And just six years ago, this elite athlete was barely treading water! Read more...




Diane Hirakawa

When exercise-induced asthma forced her to cut back on running and dancing, her doctors suggested swimming. She’s currently a member of the Masters Swim program at Mission Valley YMCA. And while many team members compete throughout the United States, Diane also swims for her health. Read more...


Elicia Hill

Elicia Hill’s first association with the YMCA in San Diego came when she was a young girl playing sports. So, it’s no surprise that she turned to the YMCA again when her daughter, Mikaila, was entering kindergarten and needed childcare. Since kindergarten, Elicia has enrolled Mikaila (now in 4th grade) in the Character Builders program – formerly known as YMCA Childcare – through Mission Valley YMCA. Read more...