September 2010

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

The YMCA was founded on and follows the teachings of Jesus - a Jew who spent his life with the outcasts and infirmed of society. He arguably surrounded himself with 12 men who lacked the background and education to lead the effort. He challenged the social norms of his time. When dinner time came for 5000 hungry listeners, he gave instructions to feed them all; no litmus test was established to determine who could partake.

The teachings upon which the YMCA was founded: to love, care for, accept and support one another is not ours alone. Each member, every volunteer and every employee at the YMCA is a blessing. That they may be from traditions different from ours only enriches us.

There is a place in the YMCA for everyone. It is the knitting together of our individual gifts that make our YMCA community so special. The teachings upon which we were founded, and which sustain us today, will not fade away. In fact, they are the driving force that calls us into action to make our community a better place to be.

A healthy, vibrant YMCA is an inclusive YMCA. We need your help in making our YMCA and community strong. Please consider volunteering or giving a gift today. Your involvement does make a difference.

Sincerely,
Jerry L. Courtney
President
Lima Family YMCA