As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, the South City YMCA relies on your support to ensure that, together, we continue to strengthen St. Louis, MO and our surrounding community. Please consider making a donation to our cause below.
The impact of your generosity is felt in everything we do at the Y and in our communities. With your ongoing support, we will continue to reach out to those who need us most by allowing access to programs, memberships and activities for all.
Thank you for supporting the South City Y!
Charli was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Agenesis of Corpus Callosum at birth with little expectation of surviving. However, she has always exceeded expectations for a person with her conditions. Charli has overcome using a feeding tube, ongoing seizures, and intensive physical therapy. Through the adversity of different centers that were not a good fit, treatments that were not helpful, and a traumatic experience that has caused her PTSD, Charli continues to persevere. As Charli’s protector and biggest advocate, Joanne says that she owes the Y for being the best place for their family.
Through the YMCA's Adaptive Fitness program, Charli has received support in improving her physical health, flexibility, balance, self-esteem and reduction of pain, stress and depression. In addition to losing over 40 pounds so far, she has also experienced improvements in her independence, self-determination and self-confidence. Joanne says that the positive relationships that Charli has developed with the South City Y staff have given her a sense of value and belonging. “The South City staff team see Charli as a person, not a person with a disability”. Through their experiences at the Y, both Charli and Joanne have learned how to trust again and, most importantly, found happiness.