Marcus and Maraya Jones

Finding safe, affordable activities for my kids felt impossible. Then I found the Y. 

As a parent, all I wanted was somewhere my kids could be active, have fun, and be around good people — without breaking the bank. But finding programs that checked all those boxes? That was the struggle.

Then I joined the Greater Wichita YMCA and everything changed.

I discovered youth sports programs that were not only affordable but truly invested in every child's growth. Marcus, 10, started with flag football and found his love for the game — now he's on the basketball court and hasn't looked back. Maraya, 11, stepped onto the volleyball court two years ago and has grown so much that coaches asked her to compete with girls ages 13 and 14.

The Y didn't just give my kids something to do — it gave them somewhere to belong.

And here's something most people don't know — the Y offers scholarship opportunities for families who need financial assistance. No child should miss out simply because of cost.