WE ARE Y
Where there’s a Y, there’s a way to change the lives of Staten Islanders of
all ages. Through our many programs and services, we are able to
impact the lives of children and adults, because we understand that
addiction affects every age and that no one should have to face it alone.
YMCA Counseling Service Client Impact
“After 14 days in rehab, I got kicked out and felt like I only had
two options: go back to doing drugs or get clean. That’s when
I decided to go to the YMCA. When I was ending my treatment
process, I realized that I wanted to become a counselor and
help others the way my counselor and all the staff at the
YMCA helped me.”
-Alyssa, Former YMCA Client &
Current Peer Engagement Specialist
“After 20 months of Intensive Outpatient Treatment at the YMCA, I feel so much
will never forget how powerful the disease of addiction is. I am proud of the woman
that I am today and I plan to continue on this road to long term recovery.”
-Jennifer, YMCA Client
“When I realized I couldn’t do it sobriety alone and that I
needed help, I started looking for treatment, and that’s how
I ended up at the YMCA Counseling Service. I go to meetings
every day, I talk, I share my story in meetings and in schools.”
-Shahid, YMCA Client
“The most important thing my counselor taught me was the 7 C’s - ‘I didn’t cause
it, I can’t cure it, I can’t control it. I can help take care of myself by communicating
my feelings, making healthy choices, and celebrating me.’ If I could speak to other
kids going through the same thing as me, I would tell them that they didn’t cause it,
but if they do feel like they caused it they can go to Y and the people there can help
them feel better.”
-Kya, Little Steps Participant
26 | YMCA COUNSELING SERVICE