417-623-4597
417-781-9622
417-673-2677
Downtown Facility
417-623-4597
South Facility
417-781-9622
Heritage Youth Development Center
417-673-2677
By Amy York, Associate Executive Director, Joplin Family YMCA
Like many of you, I remember the first time I met Pat Crespino.
Nearly 20 years ago I was delivering a check from an area business
for the Joplin Family Y’s Annual Strong Y, Strong Community
campaign. I walked into her office at the Downtown YMCA, to be
met by her short stature and big heart. I could tell right away that
she was a woman to respect.
Scholarships are more than just assistance; they are a warm welcome with positive results.
This is the case for Dian and Jameson Jones. Dealing with the passing of her former husband, money became a little tight for Dian, and, as most people do, she cut out the extras. For Dian and her son, Jameson, those extras would
have been activities at the YMCA. This would have meant no more swim lessons for Jameson
and no more free swim in the evenings. Indoor soccer would be cut, along with the sheer fun
of socializing and learning with other youth, most definitely a dark situation for Jameson.
Yet hidden in the darkness was a ray of light.
With support and encouragement from those at the Y, Wendy has a newfound confidence.
The Deans have already decided they want to keep the Joplin Family Y a part of their lives for many years to come. They are grateful for
what the organization has done for their family.
“We are healthier, not only physically, but also in mind and soul,” Wendy said. “We are more like the family God wants us to be.”