the Y

I lived there some 20 years ago, at the YWCA.
It was my first healthy and safe place to live, ever.
What I do remember was the safety.
The rules of the residence, those were the first I had lived by.
I was made to feel like to real live human, with rights and responsibilities.
Something my childhood had lacked. I made friends, I had help from the social worker, and self-help programs. I think the one I attended was called Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families.
The "Y" taught me boundaries, how to live on my own, how to move on, and how to ask for help when I need it. I also made a lifelong friend, she nominated me, I need to make the decision to participate, that is why I write here. I am a private person out in the real world, I do not like to be in the spotlight.  The reason for the event is a fundraiser/award, funding the YWCA Foundation, and it awards "Women of Merit", and funds different programs at the "Y".

The reason she nominated me, was because I was a resident some 20 years ago, and I often stop in to say "HI!".
My answer to that was, I come to see you!
She answered, I work for the "Y".

 I do see the Y as my first home and she was a very important woman in my life, she listened to my past, it was an abusive one. She was the first person to believe me, she helped raise me up to guide me into the woman I am today. I even had my wedding reception in the basement of the "Y". Yes, the "Y" was very important to me, and I know I am not the only woman who has benefited from the services the "Y" has offered in the last 20 years. Women know how to help women. That was one of the lessons I left with, as I raise my family now. Because of the services, friendships and caring staff, I was able to break the cycle of violence that plagued many generations before me, and I was able to get help and overcome Mental Health issues that also were predominant in previous generation. Today I have hope for my family, my children and future grand-children. I am proud of my accomplishments, I am also thankful and proud of having been a resident at the YWCA.