Rocio's Journey: Finding Hope and a Second Home at the YMCA

I never thought the Y would become such a big part of my life. Back in high school, I would often hear my friends say, “Oh yeah, I’m working at the YMCA summer camp.” I was intrigued and always wanted a job there. But as a Hispanic family of low income, with a dad undergoing chemotherapy, a mom holding down two jobs, an older sister in rehab for addiction, and a little sister missing out on a “normal” childhood, I couldn’t take on a job. My purpose was to be the backbone of my family, so working at the YMCA wasn’t an option.

Fast forward to me at 24. After graduating college, moving out, and starting fresh, I was hit by a financial crisis. I quickly realized that $1,083 every two weeks wasn’t enough to cover my bills, let alone my rent. Then, I saw a job posting for a front desk position at the Lake Highlands YMCA and thought, “Why not? It won’t hurt to try.” I applied, waited, and waited some more. Then one evening, Cori Carter from the Y called me. I missed the call, but when I called back, she offered me an interview. To my surprise, she took a chance on me, and I got the job.

Cori was like an angel. She hired me, and two months later, I got a promotion. Then the pandemic hit. Amid all the chaos, Cori called me again, saying, “We’re reopening, and we want you to help us build back up.” Little did anyone know that during this time, I had lost the love of my life, my mental and physical health were suffering, and I was struggling to survive. I weighed barely 90 pounds, my dad wasn’t recovering from COVID, my mom was barely working, and I was living out of my car. Despite everything, Cori saw through my struggles and offered me a lifeline. She became my coach, mentor, and friend, helping me make the Y my second home. I loved every minute of greeting our members and working at Lake Highlands.

As I ventured further into what the YMCA had to offer, I found a childcare group leader position and interviewed with Mrs. Doris. To my surprise, she offered me the position of Site Director. It was at that moment I realized the Y was more than just a job for me; it was about impacting lives and helping families.

A few months later, I had the opportunity to work in customer service. I spoke with Navreet Pointer about it, and even though I turned it down, she hugged me and thanked me. Although I was sad about missing the chance to go full-time, I felt at peace because I could spend more time with our families at Hanes. On the first day back to school, the kids’ excitement and joy at seeing me made me realize that the Y had become so much more than just my job or my struggles—it was about the kids and their lives.

Later, Navreet asked to meet, and two years after that, here I am—growing, thriving, and living. What was once a state of survival is now my way of living. The Y is not only my job but also my testimony, my story, and my reason for being here. As a program director, I wear many hats and constantly touch lives with every school I visit and every family I meet. It’s not always easy, but I love it.

The YMCA has supported me in ways that might surprise you. I work two jobs: as a behavioral therapist on weekends and at the Y during the week. Even though finances are tight, the YMCA has been there for my family, like when they helped me afford childcare for my nephew, who I’ve raised since I was 18. Thanks to the Y, he can go to summer camps, make friends, and gain independence—all at an affordable cost. It’s truly a blessing.

To wrap this up, I must share how the Y’s impact extends beyond me. Just recently, a child named Lianna told me, “Ms. V, my story today is going to be great. You’re going to love it.” Her story and her mom’s gratitude remind me of the honor it is to be a part of this community. If I had one superpower, it would be to let everyone see these stories and testimonies through my eyes because they are incredibly beautiful.

The annual campaign isn’t just about donations; it’s about the difference those donations make. Whether it’s $29 a week to help cover childcare or $30 a month for a family membership, every bit helps families like mine get back on their feet. We all have a story and a purpose. I feared sharing mine, but when I did, someone took a chance on me. Your donation is a chance—a chance for someone else to make it through another day.

As I brainstorm ways to bring in more donations for this season, I’m thinking about creating a timeline to highlight our childcare program’s impact. Donations made a big difference during the summer, and I’m excited to see what more we can achieve together.