Community leaders, Y staff and Layla Chami's family recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Layla's House in Sulphur Springs. Pictured from left are: Liz Kennedy, Chairwoman of the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood of Promise Steering Committee; Tom Looby, President/CEO of the Tampa Y; Maria and Dr. Tawfik Chami, Layla's parents; Tricia Eisner, Chairwoman of the Layla's House Committee; Mayor Bob Buckhorn, City of Tampa; Chris Daye, Commercial Development Consultants; and Michael Brown, Senior Group Vice President of the Tampa Y.

It was three years to the day 16-year-old Layla Chami lost her battle with leukemia. A mix of family, close friends and complete strangers gathered beneath two large oak trees on the corner of Eskimo and 15th streets. As a gentle breeze stirred, stories of hope, support and community building were shared, then the ground was broken for the construction of Layla's House.

Layla's House will provide families of children from birth to five years old with a place to learn together, grow together and become stronger together. From child development workshops to parent-child literacy courses, Layla's House will provide children with the foundation they need to be successful in kindergarten.

Although a vacant lot today, in the first part of 2012 Layla's House will provide a place for families to read together, laugh together, connect with one another and share a dream of a future without poverty.

Brittany Payne was told her 5 year old son’s motor skills were underdeveloped, his muscle tone was low and he had ADHD. His doctors said he could use medication, his school suggested counseling, but Brittany thought he needed a healthier lifestyle that included exercise and structure. Unfortunately, Brittany’s family of four was already struggling financially – they were living in a one-bedroom apartment behind a friend’s house. She turned to the Y for help.   

In these challenging economic times, more kids, families and neighbors are in need of our support. These members of our community need a place to go to feel more healthy, confident, connected and secure. Unfortunately, they may not have the financial means to make it happen. 

That’s what makes raising a grand total of $1,271,402.47 so amazing. With the support of the Tampa Bay community, we exceeded our Association-wide fundraising goal of $1,271,000.

Because of you more kids are getting swim lessons so they’re safe around water, more teens are being mentored, more friends are being made at summer camp, more families are learning how to be healthier, more kids are learning about teamwork and perseverance through sports, and more kids are preparing to graduate from high school and break the cycle of generational poverty.

The Tampa Y changes lives – and, thanks to you, we’ll be changing even more lives in the coming year.