Leanne met Jordan when his foster mom inquired about financial assistance to send him to YMCA Day Camp .  His foster mom explained that 10-year-old Jordan had “behavioral problems” and had been in foster care for the past four years, but she wanted him to experience “normal” childhood activities.

During his first week at camp, Jordan was extremely disruptive and spent little time interacting with his fellow campers.  Concerned and frustrated, camp staff met with Jordan and agreed to a second week at camp.

The very next week, Leanne spotted Jordan playing cards with a younger camper. She watched as he patiently explained how to play and calmly answered questions and encouraged him along. This gave Leanne an idea.  She asked Jordan to assist her with the younger campers and he agreed. Within days, Jordan had become the camp’s best “ volunteer.” He enthusiastically greeted campers each morning and played games and read books with younger campers.

On the last day of camp, Jordan told camp staff that the YMCA had become his family. Leanne kept in touch with Jordan’s foster mom and Jordan is doing excellent in school, has made new friends and is volunteering as a tutor.

Maybe the YMCA doesn’t save lives the way a hospital does but we do it in our own way; by helping to build lives.