YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Winter 2019 | Page 18

YMCA
OPEN DOORS
Discover how the YMCA Open Doors initiative has increased the confidence felt by
participants, in their every day life.
ith drowning rates predicted to be the highest in 20
years, developing swimming and water safety skills is
more important than ever. But Jemma, a single
mother with four children, had to be selective with her priorities. So like many families in the same position, swimming lessons
were a ‘luxury’ she struggled to afford. But thanks to YMCA
Open Doors initiative, Jemma’s two youngest had the chance
to learn about water safety.
‘Education and keeping active are the most important things
to me… feeling confident in the pool is just as important as
feeling confident with maths or english, and that’s what I want
for my children.’ As Katie and Torah attended their regular swimming lessons,
Jemma noticed a change: as their confidence in the water
grew, so too did their confidence in everyday life.
W
Taking care of four children on her own left Jemma no time to
find work, so she had to be creative in making the best
opportunities for Becky (17), Joel (10), Katie (7), and Torah (5).
‘After all the school costs, there is generally little money for
anything else, apart from food and rent,’ she said.
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YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE WINTER 2019
Through the YMCA Open Doors initiative, YMCA Victoria are
dedicated to making a real impact to those in our communities
who are experiencing hard times, just like Jemma, by offering
full or subsidised access to a range of YMCA programs and
services.
You can lend a helping hand to people like Jemma by making
a donation online at victoria.ymca.org.au/donate