Very great group of people. Helped us with the Home for the Holidays program. Had not been home in almost 2 years and no one had met our youngest. Also helped our ship's family readiness group.
Being the wife of a disabled Vietnam veteran, I learned of the "Bread Program during this time of hardship for my family and others. I wasn't sure if our family qualified to participate in the program, and was pleased to learn that we did. Convincing my husband to participate was not easy; but on our first and subsequent visits we were greeted by name and felt very welcomed by the volunteers at the door.
This organization has helped many military families, having the bread program that helps each family stretch thier monthly food buget. They also have provided other fun programs that help us get out of the house, meet new people and stay healthy.
To Whom It May Concern: We would like to take a minute to thank the Armed Services YMCA for all of the things they do to help out military families. Over the past year we have benefitted from a variety of programs that have not only helped us financially but also with our families health. We have been very active in the Bread Day program not only benefitting from it but volunteering time to help set-up and give-out. Without receiving the bread from Armed Services YMCA our food dollar would not stretch as far as it does. The free bread, specialty breads, chicken, and pastries allow our family to spend more money on meats, vegetables, and keep our pantry stocked a little better than without it. The aerobics programs offered, provides my family with a way to stay healthy and meet new people. Civilian gyms are expensive and intimidating. The programs available at the Armed Services YMCA are very inviting, comfortable, and most of all affordable. The staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. A side benefit of these programs is the social networking that happens in these classes where military families that would normally never meet end up meeting, talking, and even becoming friends. Armed Services YMCA has provided space for our ship’s Family Readiness Group to conduct their monthly meetings. Renting a hall is quite expensive and with the FRG being a non-profit group that survives strictly of off donations an inexpensive or free meeting place is a necessity for the Group to remain intact and effective. In short the services that the Armed Services YMCA provides are not only needed they are indispensible. Please continue with your great works that help make life just a little better for military families. Sincerely, Chuck and Heidi Bigger
This program was a lifesaver for my children and myself. I was new to the area April 2007. I had a newborn and 2y/o and what can I do. This program helps bring at-home-moms and their children together providing activities to join in. They also provide childcare so the moms bring things they have a hard time doing at home. What's really great is they also incorporate aerobics classes so you can get back in shape without worry about where to bring your children. We also went on fieldtrips to local area places which helped me on how to get around to places that are child-friendly.
I sent two of my children to the daycare at ASYMCA. The wonderful staff there took the time to get to know my children and our family. They made my children feel special. They also provided bread through the bread program. The bread was fresh and definitely helped feed our family of five.
Lots of programs for families to get out and either enjoy some time away from the children, or to get out and enjoy activities for everyone. One program even gives Dad a chance to enjoy some quality time with his daughter(s). They're always thinking to provide assistance or fun programs for military families!
The bread program is great. It helps lots of families and the people who work with the program are really helpfully and friendly with the exception of the person who works at fort story everyone else is just great.
The volunteers working at the event were friendly and very helpful. The waiting area was comfortable. There was some disorganization in the way the line was formed but it was OK as there was more than enough items to go around.
The ASYMCA has been an amazing experience. I found a wonder group of women who understand what it means to be a military wife. My daughter has enjoyed making friends and having her own playgroup. I have been able to lose weight in the aerobics classes and have an hour of "me" time. The classes are non-threatening and everyone is "normal" instead of super fit like at many gyms. The ASYMCA is a wonderful service and I would defiantly recommend the programs to anyone!
They do a great job! I attended the romantic dinner and i get free bread. They definately go above and beyond!
I have been with the Armed Services YMCA Program for over 5 years now. Throughtout the years I have been able to use the Mommy and Me Program, Aerobics, Deployments Support, Friday Field Trip and Most of all the Bread Program and the Holidays Support. I love volunteering my time and helping others. The Armed Services YMCA has made my life in Virginia so much easier. I have told other Military Spouses about the ASYMCA Program, in hopes that they two also get to take advantage of a wonderful organization that support all thier time to the Military and Families.. I know that it has been a big part of my life, image what it can do for others. Thank you for all you do for the Military and Especially their Dependents. Brenda Crawley (Proud Navy Spouse)
Love the events they do for the children, and community. We always have such a great time !! We would go back and back. My kids are my world if they say five star its five star for the whole family !!
A great program, Kim fadely and the volunteers keeps us informed of the many services provided and keeps us updated about future events. I give Thanks for her and the volunteers hard work! -Vincent
ASYMCA of Hampton Roads has, for many years, been a highly valued partner of ours. With compatible missions (theirs focused on the military, ours the overall community), it seemed from the very outset that we were poised for cooperation. What has made this such a warm, successful and highly appealing partnership is - unquestionably - the very, very high quality of the ASYMCA staff. We believe - very seriously - that each one of them is genuinely and honestly committed to bringing their extensive array of services directly into the hands of the service families of our community. And, boy, do they do it well! Having them as a partner has allowed them to share the events and festivities we produce with people who, in many cases, are new to or visiting our region. It makes for a much more pleasant tour for them, and opens the gates for many more friendships for us. They are very simply the best.
I am a military spouse and have been a patron of the Oceana branch of the ASYMCA for many years. I attend the aerobics classes and have gone to various functions. The aerobics classes have always been a lot of fun and free child care is available. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own level in a friendly and supportive environment. This is a great place for moms with young kids who would like to get out of the house and make some new friends. A toddler play group meets on Wednesdays and there are frequent field trips for the kids on Fridays. Many other activities are available to support military families with an emphasis on supporting the military mom who's husband may be out to sea. The staff is professional, courteous and helpful. They always make everyone feel welcome and provide much needed services to military families.