Dear Editor of the Fillmore Gazette:

At the Ventura Family YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with community members to address the most pressing needs in Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Paula and Ojai and make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y has been a part of the community for 124 years, and our work in these areas has taught us that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. This begins with having full community support.

After her husband, Tom, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, Cherie Egbert felt her world was crumbling. In addition to the fear of losing her husband, the father of her year old son and twin six year old girls, she was overwhelmed by how her family’s finances would be affected. After cancelling any service the family could do without, the thought of no longer being a member of the Y brought Cherie to tears. It was then that she was encouraged by staff to pursue assistance from the Y.

Qualifying for a reduced rate, Cherie took her children to the Y as often as possible, to maintain her children’s mental and physical health as well as her own piece of mind. Cherie felt that the Y gave her family some normalcy despite the current crisis and gave her children a healthy means to continue excelling while Tom rested. Though it is still a long road to recovery for Tom, Cherie feels that the Y has given her family the strength and confidence to continue and believes that from her experience, the Y really does build strong families and communities.

The sobering reality is that there are many families like the Egberts who could desperately use a helping hand through challenging times. This is why we are launching our Campaign For Youth and Families. The campaign provides support for underprivileged kids to have a safe place to learn and build confidence after school; for struggling families to reconnect and grow together and for seniors in need to have access to arthritis classes and a healthy social environment; allowing each to reach their full potential.

We encourage everyone in the community to join our cause. When we all pitch in to help our neighbors, we make a meaningful, enduring impact in the lives of children and families and ultimately, strengthen our community.

To learn how you can support Campaign for Youth and Families or volunteer at the Ventura Family YMCA, please contact Amy Bailey Jurewicz by telephone at 805 642 2131 ext. 24 or by email at Amy.Bailey@ciymca.org.