Laureen loves the YMCA at VT!!

I'm back (from a distance but I'm back)!!

In January 2020, I embarked on my journey with the YMCA at Virginia Tech, not knowing just how profoundly this small non-profit would shape my life. Little did I know, I was about to witness firsthand the true power of community, resilience, and kindness.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it brought uncertainty and hardship to many. But it also brought out the best in the people I worked alongside. The YMCA didn’t just adapt; it thrived by leaning into its mission to serve others. We were there for the children who faced food insecurity, ensuring they received meals and snacks each day. We offered support to immigrants, helping them find their place in a new community. We connected Virginia Tech students with local seniors, combating isolation with meaningful relationships. Our afterschool programs gave kids a safe, enriching environment when their parents needed to work, and we ran one of the largest sustainability initiatives in the region: Y-TOSS, which encourages reusing, recycling, and reducing waste.

For four years, I had the privilege of being part of a team that not only provided critical services but also embodied the spirit of giving. The moments I shared with this community—whether it was seeing a child’s face light up when they received a meal or watching a senior bond with a college student—were some of the happiest and most fulfilling of my career.

But in 2024, my journey led me to Arizona. I was drawn to the desert, to new experiences and challenges. Leaving the YMCA was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, and though I stayed involved from afar, a piece of my heart always stayed with the incredible people I had worked with in Virginia.

Fast forward to now—I'm back with the YMCA at Virginia Tech, (working remotely from Tucson) and I'm thrilled to be re-engaged with a mission that means so much to me. As part of this new chapter, I’m excited to kick off my return with a fundraising campaign for Give Local NRV—a day of giving that directly supports programs like those that shaped my time at the Y. This year, I’ve set myself a goal of raising $1,000 to contribute to this amazing cause, and I need your help to get there.

Whether it’s a small or large donation, every dollar counts and will go directly toward continuing the work of the YMCA in our community. These funds will help support the critical services that many families, children, and individuals rely on. Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of so many who need it most.

Thank you for considering a donation to this important cause. Your generosity means the world, not only to me, but to every person who benefits from the YMCA’s incredible work. Together, we can keep making a positive impact and building stronger, more connected communities.