The experiences and activities offered by the Y are unmatched. These carefully assembled facilities play such an integral role in shaping who many of us have become today. I am a product of the YMCA family. For over 30 years I have participated in a number of different branches, and many of the staff and volunteers took the role of mentoring me throughout my childhood. While we are grateful for the State of the Art resources offered at the Brooks Family Y in Charlottesville, our own county lacks a solid community-wide facility, which can be a vital resource for serving local families' needs and instilling the drive for working together. To resolve this issue, a group of us have decided to join hands and show the Directors how much we deserve the chance to partner with a local Y. 

Our county is tightly-knit; we truly support each other and local businesses. Yet, the absence of a nearby YMCA has meant that many of us pay for memberships we seldom use due to the distance from town - about 30 minutes away. It also has attributed to the loss of business for our other retailers. Unfortunately a bedroom community often only serves for the housing needs, due to the lack of provided services in the town. Our local economic development has taken a slow turn while people continue to choose to eat, work, play, and shop in town where the majority of their commerce needs are met.

The Y could have a positive impact on our county with a solid population of almost 30,000 loyal residents! More importantly, our children miss out on the enrichment and lifelong experiences that the youth have access to from growing up belonging to the Y family. This isn’t just about memberships to a gym. This is owners of local Mom and Pops being able to spend more time with their families because they don’t have to work all day then go back to town just to stay fit. This is about stay at home and work at home Moms having a stress release with affordable drop in care and not worry about where their children will play while they prioritize their mental and physical health. 

YMCA facilities are known for their lifelong impact on communities across America. They provide affordable fitness programs, youth development initiatives and foster social responsibility (source: The Y USA). Having such an institution within Fluvanna County would not only enhance our community's health but also strengthen its social fabric.
As a loyal Fluvanna resident of 27 years, I would venture to say, if given the opportunity to recruit members and crowd fund, I am willing to step up to the challenge for my hometown. I am confident with the help of friends and neighbors, we could garnish the support of thousands. 
If you are a resident of Fluvanna County or other surrounding areas and would wholeheartedly support the sustainability of our own Y here, please help me show the Board of Directors how much we need our own facility by signing this petition.  
Please also email me at Brittany@FindHomesUSA.com so I can add you to our newsletter as we take on this invigorating new mission! 

We urge you to consider this petition seriously – it's time we brought this valuable resource closer to home so more families can benefit from it as much as many of us did growing up. 

Thank you for your help! 

https://www.ymca.org/get-involved/advocate