The Northeast Bowling YMCA is more than just a place for fitness—it is a cornerstone of our community and my personal sanctuary. It is where my children grew up, fostering lifelong friendships and skills through team sports and summer camps. It is where they proudly took their first swim strokes and learned the value of community. After my cancer diagnosis, it was here that I found a renewed sense of health and vitality, discovering strength I never knew I had.

This YMCA is not just vital on a personal level but also plays a critical role in enhancing the lives of countless residents in El Paso. It offers affordable gym memberships which make fitness accessible for everyone. The swimming pool offers recreation and is invaluable for swimming lessons which provide our children with vital life skills. Moreover, it houses a hygiene closet for those in need, and offers affordable tax services to help families navigate financial challenges.

The YMCA serves as a social hub for senior citizens, providing them with activities and companionship which are crucial for mental health and well-being. Additionally, the community garden promotes sustainability and provides families the opportunity to engage with nature, essential in today’s digital age.

The proposal to shut down the Northeast Bowling YMCA threatens not just a building, but the fabric of our community. The impact on local families, seniors, and individuals like myself, who have found solace and community within its walls, cannot be overstated.

I urge the organization and city of El Paso to consider the lasting negative impact such a closure would have on so many lives. Please join me in preserving this invaluable community resource by signing this petition. Together, we can ensure that the Northeast Bowling YMCA continues to be a beacon of hope, health, and happiness for everyone in the community.