09/12/2023
THE SANTINO FAMILY STORY:
The Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA serves as the heart of the foothills. When our family relocated from California to Ahwatukee in 2009, we joined the YMCA, expecting it to be a convenient local gym. Now, 14 years later, we have found that our relationship with the organization has evolved in many important ways.
Initially, the Y offered me, a stay-at-home mom, the chance to exercise, access childcare, and make lasting friendships—some of which I maintain to this day. The Parents Night Out Program provided my husband and me with cherished "date nights," allowing us to drop off our kids in their pajamas for a night of supervised fun, which lasted until 10:00 PM.
As our two sons grew, they immersed themselves in YMCA's extensive sports program offerings. They learned to play various sports, acquiring important life skills along the way. They grew more confident in their swimming abilities, and they got their start in baseball with the Lil’ Diamondbacks T-Ball Team, coached by none other than Amare Stoudemire. His son, Amare Jr., was also on the team.
The boys continued to play basketball for several years as part of the YMCA Jr. Suns Teams. In fact, our youngest son, now a high school senior, recently clinched the Valley Championship, which was played at the Footprint Center.
The YMCA didn't just enrich their athletic lives; it also offered them volunteer opportunities. Both of our boys were able to complete the required volunteer hours for the National Honor Society at their high school, Desert Vista.
Coming full circle, when my father-in-law, who is over 80, moved to the Valley three years ago, the Y-OPAS Program was invaluable in offering him assistance. Recently, I placed a flyer on the community bulletin board seeking a caregiver for him. We were fortunate to find Elizabeth, a fellow YMCA member and Zumba enthusiast, to help us with his care.
So, to reiterate my initial sentiment: the YMCA is indeed the heart of the Foothills. Walking through its welcoming doors at any time of the day, you're greeted by smiles and the comforting sight of familiar faces, making you feel right at home .