New to the community, the Cortes family sought out the Hilliard/Ray Patch Family YMCA as their place for health and wellness. What they discovered was so much more than a gym.

“I found out they had preschool, and immediately enrolled our oldest son into class,” said Nilda. “Liam loved it, because he was being challenged, but also having fun. He started making friends, which was huge, because we were new to town and didn’t know anyone.”

While Liam was thriving in preschool, Eddie and Nilda and were able to strengthen their relationship with each other as well as with others in their community by working out regularly together. “We can still get that fitness aspect, which is important, but also the social aspect that you don’t find at most gyms.

You get that connection with people you know live in the neighborhood. You feel integrated [in the community], and that’s important.”

The Cortes’s have now found their home away from home at the Y. “Everyone here has been unbelievably nice. They’ve watched our family grow up. We don’t have family here, and they are our family. They’ve celebrated milestone moments with us.”

The future for the Cortes family is bright. “The kids want to do it all! Swimming, soccer, basketball, and now our youngest son is in preschool. They love the kids watch time. It’s nice to know that our kids are in good hands.”

Strong Communities start with Strong Families

We believe in the power of family bonds.

Serving families has always been at the heart of the Y. We are a place they can find respite from social, economic, and educational challenges, and learn how to overcome them.

We desire for every family to build stronger bonds, achieve a greater work/life balance, and become more engaged with each other and within the community.

Through programs and services that are affordable, close to home, and fun, the Y will continue to enhance its reputation as the go-to place for families to spend quality time together in a safe and enriching environment.

Programs and events include:

• Father/Daughter Dances
• Mother/Son Superhero Parties
• Family Fun Run/Walks
• Family Camp
• And more

Parents and children involved in Y activities learn to be healthy and caring individuals, peers, and role models through opportunities to teach, learn, and demonstrate positive values that set the foundation for positive, lifelong relationships.