River

Finding Safety, Stability, and Strength

Dear RoomSponsor,

Firstly, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you for your kindness and generosity throughout the year. Your continued support as a RoomSponsor truly impacts the lives of young people.

Every young person who comes through our doors at YMCA carries a story that deserves to be heard. Today, I want to share River’s journey, a young person currently living in our supported housing.

River grew up in a difficult and unsafe home environment after being adopted at eight years old. They experienced strict control, fear, and instability, which took a toll on their mental health. Eventually, social services became involved, and River was told they could not return home. After moving between temporary places, they were referred to us at YMCA.

When River arrived, it was the first time they had ever had their own space which is somewhere safe, calm, and stable. Learning independence was challenging at first, but River embraced it. They’ve worked hard on their mental health, learned essential life skills, and even rediscovered their creativity through our art sessions.

Today, River is proud of how far they’ve come. They’re continuing with college, building trust again, and have set their sights on becoming a police officer in the future.

River said, “I really want my story to be shared, to show people how supporting YMCA can make a huge difference to young people like me.“

Thanks to RoomSponsors like you, young people like River are finding stability and the chance to thrive.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas, from all of us here at YMCA.