Debbie's ASYMCAHR Campaign

The Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads is more than a workplace for me. It is truly a family affair. Every member of my family supports this organization, some through financial gifts and others by generously giving their time. My sister, Mary Catherine Matthews (pictured above), a true patriot in every sense of the word, even named our Patriot’s Pantry. When she passed away in 2023, it was an incredible honor to dedicate the pantry in her memory, a lasting tribute to her love for military families, and her unwavering belief in service to others.

That spirit of service continues through the next generation. My niece Rhonda volunteers for events and my great-niece Abby, an author and illustrator, shared her book Lucy with Stars on Her Face with our Pre-K class, bringing joy, imagination, and connection to our youngest learners. Moments like these remind me that the Armed Services YMCA is not just a place; it is a community where care, compassion, and commitment are lived out every day.

I came to work at ASYMCAHR in 2019 after Mary recommended me to our Executive Director. This has been the most fulfilling job I have ever had. I love seeing the faces of our military kids light up as they take part in the fun and educational activities our dedicated teachers thoughtfully create just for them. Their ability to make new friends is incredible to watch. They are so resilient!

I am incredibly proud that we can support our families through Patriot’s Pantry, helping them when the month lasts longer than the paycheck and easing a very real burden. And I can honestly say I have never worked with a team more passionate or more devoted to what they do for military families.

As I found funding harder to come by over the last year, navigating reduced funding sources and a period of ongoing economic uncertainty for everyone, especially our military families as deployments ramp up and unrest in the Middle East grows, I want to personally guarantee this: your gift to the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads will be used wisely. It will directly impact every family who walks through our doors. And it will continue to honor the legacy of my sister, Mary Catherine Matthews, whose love for service lives on through this work.

Thank you for being part of our mission and for believing, as I do, in the power of caring for those who serve.