Working for the YMCA has given me a much different outlook on my community. The Y provides opportunities for really everyone in our community and they do it by obtaining volunteers and donations from anyone that will give. From working at the front desk, I constantly hear members commenting on the number of kids we have in our building every day, good comments. I hear them say how awesome it is that kids are able to come here to stay out of trouble. I hear people being so thankful for the financial help that we offer or the programs we contribute to such as Operation Backpack (providing school supplies to community children). With Ys all over the world, there should be no reason for families not to be able to get the help they need. That is why I am cause Y.

#BeCauseY is a campaign meant to show the world what the YMCA is all about and to really reach out to more of the community. I see it as the first step in achieving higher goals of giving in every aspect. The key to this campaign is for members of the YMCA and non-members to really understand what the Y does and is.

Abilene's YMCA was founded in 1946, with a mission delivered for the past 70 years by a team of over 150 volunteers and staff members. The Y provides high quality programs for all ages and provides more than $350,000 to the community annually. We strive to put Christian principles into practice through the many programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. We promise to strengthen community foundations by demonstrating a sincere concern for others, demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness through our actions, valuing the worth of every person and maintaining accountability for our own choices of behavior, actions and promises.

The YMCA focuses on youth development through nurturing the potential of every child and teen, healthy living throughout the Big Country and the social responsibility of giving back and providing support to our neighbors.

As a non-profit, the Y has been able to promise and deliver a positive change in more than 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation plus many more across the world. As an organization, we listen and respond to our community, we connect people of all ages and backgrounds, provide an opportunity for everyone to learn, grow and thrive, and we cause lasting and meaningful change by mobilizing local communities.

"Our Impact is Felt Every Day when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good."

So #BeCauseY. Take part in volunteering at the many events hosted by the Y, spend some time meeting YMCA staff, volunteers and members, find out what you can do to spread our cause and help change countless lives.