“Almost 3 years ago a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to help her with the possibility of getting a YMCA in Carroll County. I said,” yes, of course,” and boy has it been a journey! Having the YMCA in our community has been a tremendous blessing, for the children, adults, and seniors! I love seeing the practice fields full of kids being active! My children have participated in soccer in the spring and fall and let me tell you, this community has been missing out a great sport for kids! Thanks to the Y, hundreds of kids get to play soccer now! Every time I walk into the Y, I see a familiar smiling face. I love teaching yoga and fitness classes and building relationships with the other members. Not only do we stay active, but we also build friendships, have fun, and become a stronger community!

 – Abbie Backes, YMCA Board of Directors Member, Aerobics Instructor, YMCA Member

“I joined the Carroll County YMCA in October 2014 because I have a big, “bucket list” kind of goal I’ve set to reach by a series of smaller goals. . . . The staff and fellow members are great coaches, motivators, and supporters. With the help of classes, facilities and personnel available here I’ve already met several challenges and have a couple more goals within reach. As for that bucket list goal. . . . I’m confident my Y workouts and Y support and encouragement will have me in shape to mark it off and then set my sights even higher.”

 – Beth Weidner, YMCA Member

“The addition of the YMCA in Carrollton has truly been great for our community. I have used their facilities very often and it’s always a positive, fun experience. The staff is always helpful and willing to help out. . . . The programs for the kiddos are great and offer a variety of options for parents! I enjoy seeing people in the fitness area while the YMCA Staff are watching their children. The parents are at ease that their children are being cared for while they exercise. . . . Keep up the good work!”

 – Coach William Dow, YMCA Member

“The YMCA has greatly impacted the people in our community by offering programs and resources for our children to use and access. These programs are centered around Christian values and encourage participation from anyone interested regardless of their financial means. Our children now have a safe place to go after school and adults who are willing to mentor them on a regular basis. The YMCA offers social gatherings, fitness/wellness classes and even fine arts courses. For our family, the YMCA has mostly impacted our son who prior to the YMCA was limited. . . . He plays sports year-round and enjoys interacting with other kids his age in a manner that enhances his athletic abilities and promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication, and hard work. As adults, the workout equipment and fitness programs have been a wonderful addition to our lives and has promoted a healthier lifestyle for our entire family… the YMCA has truly impacted our community and has made a difference for many people. . . .”

– Mindy Minnick, YMCA Member

“The YMCA provides an opportunity and outlet for people young and old to get involved and flourish in our community. It is an organization that promotes and supports good health, proper wellness, friendship (new and old), and a sense of TEAM. We as a small community are fortunate to have and be a part of an organization with such great return and reward to its people and participants. YMCA = GOAL driven with good leadership.”

– Heidi Smith, YMCA Member

“It is a great place to come and work out with others. I look forward to the classes and attend M-Th at 5:30 pm. I would love to participate in the morning classes when my schedule will permit. I would encourage anyone that wants to work out with others to attend the classes; all can be modified to any level. If you are a person that prefers to just work out on your own, all of the equipment you would want is right here in Carrollton. I am excited for the coming year, new classes, new workout partners . . . making a 2015 commitment to myself to be as healthy as I can be.”

– Barb Lyon, YMCA Member

“The YMCA has new integrative equipment that made working out fun and losing weight easy, even with being a working mom with two kids!”

– Kassie McGaugh, YMCA Member

“ . . . What a wonderful experience it has been the last year or so working with so many great people from Carroll County. It is amazing how a community, young and old, can come together for such a great cause. The excitement on the faces of the children in all of their youth sports programs is priceless. May God continue to bless this great cause.”

– Kevin Brown, Board of Directors Member

“Being a stay at home mother, the Carroll County YMCA has provided a place for my family and me to stay involved in the community. The support and encouragement from the members and staff keep me motivated to continue on the lifelong journey of fitness and health. As an active member of the Y, I stay connected to the community, maintain my fitness goals and set a great example for my son.”

– Anonymous YMCA Member

“My family joined the YMCA in January as a way of getting a “fresh start” for 2015. I was a bit skeptical at first because it had been such a long time since I had done any workouts besides in my basement with no one watching. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the classes and worried about maybe not being on the same fitness level as a lot of them. We have been members almost 8 weeks now and I can honestly say that it was the best decision we could of made for our family and it has become a nightly routine to visit our new YMCA family. The classes and instructors are amazing. No one is judging anyone, everyone is there with their own personal goal and fitness level:) After a long day at work, I look forward to walking into the YMCA and being greeted by so many great people!!!! Thank you to Kathy and Brett for all that they do in making it our new home away from home.”

– Summer Appleberry, YMCA Member

“We are very fortunate to have the YMCA in our community. With the Y, it has helped hold me accountable for quitting smoking. This has been my greatest accomplishment since the birth of my child. I really enjoy the community feeling of the Y. The staff and members are very motivational and make you feel like you are a part of the family.”

-Daniel Wheeler

“In August of 2014, I decided that being 40 pounds shy of 400 was detrimental to my health and would limit the interaction I would have with my daughter Avery, who was 8 years old at the time. I was not attending her high school graduation in a hover-around, or worse, a wheelchair in ten years. I’ve had a Y membership since late 2013 and finally put it to use. Now I am 80 pounds lighter and 45 lbs. from my goal. With the help of the Carroll County YMCA staff, I feel like a new person. The shooting pains in my legs are gone, my hypoglycemia is non-existent and for over two decades I am in the best shape of my life. My membership with the Y has also been very beneficial to my daughter, who takes part in swimming and other great youth activities. Thank you, YMCA! I don’t know what I would do without you!”

-Michael Keown

“I did not know what the YMCA was until my dad signed me up for After School Club. Now I get the chance every day after school to get a snack, finish my homework before I go home, and play with my friends.”

-After School Club Participant

“Right whenever you think you can’t, is when you start to improve. After that, you keep improving. Don’t ever give up.”

-Carol George, Senior Stretch and Flex Members