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May 2011

My family’s relationship with the Ocean County YMCA began about 14 years ago. We have taken advantage of and enjoyed several programs. When my children were infants, I wanted both of them enrolled in swimming lessons. Word on the street was always ... “Go to the YMCA.” We registered for lessons at the Y and the backyard swim program. Today, both of my children are capable swimmers and more than that, my girls are also smart swimmers. Y instructors taught them more than just how to move through the water. They taught them about pool safety as well.

My children have also taken cooking and art classes and gymnastics and Mommy and Me. I always appreciated the flexibility of the sessions. As a busy parent of children with many interests, sometimes it’s nice to give something a try for a few months instead of committing to an entire year of the activity. I always found staff at these programs to be friendly and genuinely excited about the work they were doing.

I also have a Y-Kid. She has been in the program at Citta Elementary for four years. On days I have off, I’ll always give her the option of staying home in the morning. She never does. Kenneth Ames and Kristin McHale have become a part of our lives. My child adores them and can’t wait to get to school and start her day with them. They have become irreplaceable in my eyes. I trust them completely. I believe they always have my daughter’s best interest in mind and that they go above and beyond what should be expected to help her feel welcome, like a part of this Y-Kid family.

It is a tremendous sigh of relief to leave my child in such capable hands. My thanks go out to the YMCA for providing such fulfilling programs and for staffing them with such high quality employees. I cannot imagine our lives without the Y.

Sincerely,
Beth Hoatson