A Place of Opportunity
Emmanuel, known at the Y as “Sushi,” grew up in Kenya, where his mom was a member of the Y. When the family moved to Raleigh, the Y provided a safe haven for him while his mom was at work. It also provided a place for opportunity.
“The YMCA has impacted my life in numerous, numerous ways,” he said. “It’s been like a domino effect.”
OPPORTUNITY
Over the past 10 years, Emmanuel has grown from a Y participant to a Counselor in Leadership Training (CILT) to a Youth Counselor.
As a Youth Counselor, Emmanuel pays it forward as he helps provide kids with the same opportunities he had at the Y.
“I tell people that I don’t treat my YMCA job as a job. I get to help kids become better.”
Thanks to donations to the Annual Campaign, Emmanuel – “Sushi” – found opportunity at the Y.
“I honestly don’t know where I would be right now without the Annual Campaign,” he said. “The YMCA is home – it’s a beacon. It’s just been everything.”
GIVE
We’re celebrating 25 years of building people through the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. Help us inspire involvement, bridge critical gaps and create opportunities for all.
100% of every dollar given through the YMCA’s Annual Campaign is invested in the lives of people who need the Y.
