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| Y member Jeff Hufnagle speaks about his experience with the Y at the Annual Campaign Kickoff Meeting. |
The Annual Campaign raises money that will help more local residents have access to vital community programs and services for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
During the campaign kickoff meeting, YMCA member Jeff Hufnagle spoke briefly about what the Y has meant to him. Hufnagle is a musician who suffered a devastating stroke five years ago that left him paralyzed on one side. He woke up in a hospital, unable to move or communicate- he felt cut off from the world. “It took away everything I loved in life,” Hufnagle said.
Hufnagle spent a year in the hospital, leaving in a wheelchair. He eventually learned to walk with a cane, and regained his driver’s license. He decided to join the Y because he wanted to take more responsibility for his recovery, and he knew the Y was a safe place. He has discovered that his favorite activity at the Y is using the pool. He comes to swim each week and says he appreciates the friendly greeting he gets every time he visits, and the knowledge that there’s always someone to help him if he needs it.
“It is the commitment and hard work of our donors, volunteers, staff, partners and sponsors that enables the Y to make our vital programs and services accessible to more people than ever before,” said Sam Casalano, CEO of the YMCA of Darke County. “We believe that, through collaboration, there are endless possibilities for the Y to help enrich lives, while addressing critical societal needs.”
Financial assistance from the YMCA of Darke County supports individuals and families with quality services and programs they otherwise could not afford, such as child care, summer camp and membership.
To learn more or to make a donation, contact the YMCA of Darke County at 548-3777 or 526-4488.
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