As Ashley strolls along the banks of a local lake with her family, she admits this has not always been their comfort zone.
“Swimming is not a top priority in the African-American community. We didn’t grow up going to the pool,” says Ashley. “But as a parent and a nurse, safety is always at the top of my mind.”
That’s why Ashley jumped at the opportunity for her son James to participate in the YMCA Swim for Life program offered in collaboration with his elementary school.
“Our family is lucky. We could pay for swim lessons, but so many other families can’t,” says Ashley. “Swim for Life takes the stress off parents when it comes to safety and price.”
As PTA president of her son’s school, Ashley knows firsthand the importance of building relationships.
“The Y is wonderful. It supports children culturally and spiritually,” says Ashley. “James is headed back to the Y to improve his strokes. We’re not done yet. I can’t wait to get my young daughter in swim lessons!”
“You’re going to see a lot more of us at the Y,” Ashley declares. “I tell everyone that they should go to the Y and they should give to the Y.”
Your Gift
$74 provides one child with the opportunity to learn a valuable life-saving skill and a life-long, healthy activity through a six-lesson session of swim instruction.
