The positive results of our Sarasota Family YMCA community programs is best expressed through the True Stories of the children, young men and women and parents who have benefited and grown personally taking part in our programs.

From the YMCA's emergency shelters and group youth homes to children's fitness programs and education series we are focused on our mission to build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

HOW TO TAME PARKINSON’S BY KEEPING FIT Dave Anderson has just recently wrote a book entitled “How to Tame Parkinson’s By Keeping Fit” and it is the story of one man’s life changing experience at the Sarasota Family YMCA

PATHWAY TO A NEW LIFE From childhood we all start out on a path towards overall wellness and over time we are changed by the trials of life. There are everyday ups and downs but nothing is more satisfying than finding the pathway to a new life filled with love and optimism.

TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM OFFERS TEENS A CHANCE TO DREAM AND SUCCEED! Four years ago, a very frightened and insecure girl was homeless and adrift. Nancy came to the YMCA Homeless Shelter where she sought temporary safety and security after running away from an abusive life at home.

ONE CHILD’S JOURNEY TO FIND LOVE One year ago today, police escorted a young man named Josh to the Sarasota Family YMCA youth shelter because his alcoholic, abusive mother had kicked him out and refused to allow him to return home.

POSITIVE TRAINING AT THE YMCA Tennis players and sisters Tori and Nikki Cleaves challenge their muscles and their minds at the YMCA.

LOVE AND RACQUETBALL Life is simple for Lan Huynh. Everything comes down to faith, hope, family, friendship, love and racquetball.

LIFELONG LEARNING Edie Jacobs has rediscovered her lost childhood and found herself at the Sarasota Family YMCA.

ADULT VOLLEYBALL AT THE YMCA Friendship blooms among a dedicated group of Sarasota-area residents over age 45 (35 for women) who practice volleyball at the Sarasota Family YMCA at least twice a week.

SWIMMING FOR SUCCESS Seven-year-old Trinity Kranz who has Down Syndrome finds success in the YMCA pool.

THE BIGGEST WINNER John Philpot lost more than 135 pounds with help and support from family and friends at the YMCA.

BEATING THE ODDS One year after a doctor told Jaimie DiGiovanni, 28, and her parents he feared she would never lose weight because of limitations from Jaimie's Down Syndrome, she proudly walked into his office 50 pounds lighter.

FINDING BALANCE IN MOVEMENT A year ago Troy Johnson had to give up driving his car because his vision was rapidly deteriorating. This Thanksgiving the 26-year-old can see even less, but his outlook on life has improved a bit thanks to a capoeira class he takes at the Babe Weiller YMCA in Downtown Sarasota.

A FAMILY TRADITION AT THE YMCA Sister and brother Alina and Ander Naismith are taking basketball lessons at the YMCA - the place where their great, great grandfather invented the game, complete with a peach basket.

THE RHYTHM OF LIFE Ernie Oriente, Sr., 76, teaches children as young as eight to adults older than him how to drum out a beat on the speed bag and to enjoy life a little bit more.

SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMERS MEET OLYMPIANS When the 10-member national synchronized swimming team arrived at the Sarasota Family YMCA in mid-January for a working vacation, the top-tier athletes made sure to set aside time to meet with members of S.A.S.S.Y., the YMCA’s synchronized swim club.

KEEPING NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS GOING ALL YEAR LONG While New Year’s resolutions come and go, the Sarasota Family YMCA would like you to be inspired by Y members who are working every day to healthier, fitter lives.