Let me tell you my story…

We all have a story-who we are, where we come from, and the experiences that we have along life’s journey.  Let me tell you my story…

My name is Crystal and I was born the middle child of five to an abusive father and a loving mother.  When I was five years old and my dad was away from the house, we left our home.  My mother only had a chance to grab our important documents.  My mom, my four siblings, and I left that house with the police to travel to another city on what seemed like an adventure.  We only had the clothes on our back, our memories, our faith in God, and each other.

We were financially crippled and homeless.  My mom took on a job and night classes at the local technical college to attain a degree and make better money for us.  As time passed, we moved into an apartment.  We were eventually blessed with a house through Habitat for Humanity.

During my eighth grade year in middle school, one of my teachers, Miss McTier, asked me to become a member of Y Club and not knowing what it was, I said sure.  After attending a couple of meetings and participating in some service projects, I made new friends.

As the school year came to an end, they asked me to go with them to Christian Life Conference.  There was a slight setback:  the registration fee was $125.  This was money I did not have.

I talked with my Y Club advisor and found out that the State YMCA of Georgia gives out scholarships.  I was so happy I could go to my first conference!  I met many people and learned a lot about being a leader as well as empowering myself.  Since that time, I’ve attended as many conferences as possible.

In college, I plan to double major in Communication Disorders and American Sign Language Interpretation.  I will eventually pursue a Master’s Degree.

I share my story asking for your support because I am a beneficiary of what the State YMCA programs are doing for thousands of teenagers across Georgia every year.  Please support these life changing programs.  Just as those who invested in me are a part of my story, you can be a part of a teen’s story today!

Thank you,

Crystal

If you would like to make a donation to the State YMCA of Georgia please visit the donation section of our website. 

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