Y Stories

We are always seeking member stories that help us show how the Y makes a positive impact on individuals and families in our community.

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Harvey Clark

YMCA Member since 1963

Harvey Clark has been associated with the Prattville YMCA for its entire existence. Originally from Tampa, Florida, he came to Prattville in 1959 on a temporary assignment as a consultant to Continental Gin Company with a large national accounting firm. This assignment became permanent when he was hired by Continental, in 1961, as their Controller and Executive Vice President of Finance. During this time, he became involved in civic life in Prattville and was part of a group of community leaders who established the YMCA in Prattville in 1963. He served as the first Vice Chairman and a charter member of the Board of Management and was on the search committee that hired Willis Bradford to be our first CEO. Since that time, Mr. Clark has continued to serve our YMCA as a board member and currently serves as the President of the Board of Trustees. He led each of the five building campaigns our Y has held over the past 60 years and his continued service even stretches over a period that he lived out of state. While his work with the YMCA is significant, he has also been integrally involved in work with the Red Cross, the Smith Center, the United Way and many other efforts. He has been very active in his church, Prattville Church of Christ, as well. Recently, Mr. Clark was recognized by the Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) as a 2022 Senior of Achievement for his contributions to the betterment of our community. In September, Mr. Clark will turn 90 years old and there is no doubt he will remain focused on doing his part to help our community be a better place to live just like he always has. Thank you, Mr. Harvey, for serving our YMCA and Prattville over these many years and into the future!

Christy Yousefi

I have been a member of a local YMCA since childhood. I was raised playing YMCA basketball, learned how to swim at the Y pool, and grew up at YMCA summer camps.

When I was old enough, I then went on to work as a Lifeguard, Water Aerobic Instructor & at the main Fitness Center. I was able to pay my way through college with my jobs at the Y.

Now I have my young family who I have continued this tradition with. Being a military family I know my first stop in a new town is the local YMCA to find a community for activities & involvement.

My boys have participated in those same programs at 5 & 6 years old. We love knowing that the YMCA will always be available for us to find new connections as we move around the US.

Michelle Garrett

I can't say enough how thankful I am for this preschool and the staff! Throughout the whole coronavirus pandemic, they were not closed a single day for essential workers.

My daughter was fully prepared for kindergarten and was even able to take gymnastics and swim lessons during the school day, so I didn't have to rush after work to take her to lessons.

Wonderful staff and facility!

Preschool staff - Sherri, Deanne, Tammy, and Sarah Thornton. I could not have asked for better teachers to prepare my baby for Kindergarten!

Crystal Rodriquez

My daughter Nasiah is doing the virtual option for her 7th grade year at PJHS and we wanted to make sure she stayed active. So we started to attend the Y as a family to workout.

We have seen Nasiah's confidence grow as she gets more familiar with weights and workout equipment at the gym. We also started enjoying more family time together as well.

The Y has provided a family friendly environment to help my family stay physically active.

Shannon Patrick

The Y has helped my children and I tremendously. Being a single mom in the military, it can be very challenging to relocate, build a sense of community, and establish positive roots in relationships.

The Y has made the arrival to Alabama from Colorado a beautiful experience. We have found friendships, faith, and fun and are thriving thanks to the incredible programs and events put on by the Y.

Whether it be through girls volleyball, youth flag football, safe and fun afterschool care, or church events held in the Y facilities, there is always a sense of belonging and joy at the Y. My family has found home here.

Thank you Justin for always smiling and spreading joy as you connect with everyone at the Y!

Ashton Herrod

Both of our children were a little bit behind in regards to motor skills, and so we joined the basic gymnastics classes. Because our children were a little behind than other children physically, we needed coaches who were patient and would take the time to show each child what to do. That is exactly what we found at the Y.

After the first session, where I saw my daughter learning so many new skills, I asked her how it went. With a big smile on her face, she replied, "Mommy, I think I'm really good at gymnastics!"

Our kids' physical skills have improved so much by just being in the basic gymnastics class and their confidence levels in those areas have shot up enormously due in part to the patience of the coaches and the positive environment they create where they encourage the children to cheer each other on. A special thank you to Coach Michelle & Coach Jada.

We couldn't ask for more.

Anna Sutton

When I joined the YMCA, I was still new to Alabama. When I went to an annual doctor's appointment and literally saw how much I weighed, I knew I needed to find something I would stick with.

My friend from my home state told me that there should be classes like hers here so I looked up Zumba. When I walked into my first class, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was welcomed and told that if I didn't get the moves at first to just keep moving. I have picture from before starting Zumba and the change is absolutely amazing.

The staff have been so motivating and inspirational. They are very energetic and enthusiastic and keep me going! Thank you to Pamela, Teresa, Emily & Vanessa for keeping me going in even when I feel like I want to quit.

May 2025

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