I’ve always wanted to do volunteer work to give back to the community. Especially now that my husband is deployed, I feel like I could use the time to help other people and connect with fellow military families.

Every impactful moment at the Armed Services YMCA begins long before families walk through our doors. Behind every event, every program, and every smiling face is a team of passionate individuals working together with one shared purpose: to serve military families with compassion, dedication, and heart.

From coordinating volunteers and preparing resources to welcoming families and creating meaningful experiences for children, every team member plays an essential role. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, its impact reaches far beyond what most people see.

The Heart Behind the Mission: Meet the Hampton Roads Armed Services YMCA Team

When people walk through the doors of any Armed Services YMCA, they see smiling faces, welcoming spaces, and programs designed to support military families.

At the Hampton Roads Armed Services YMCA, Francesca Ketchum was one of the first to greet me. She interviewed me, welcomed me to the team, and trained me. Her patience, encouragement, and leadership helped me feel confident and reminded me of what it truly means to serve military families with compassion and purpose. She holds a special place in my Armed Services YMCA journey.

Thanks to Mrs. Francesca, I’m now a volunteer, giving back in the same way she gave to me.

Why This Work Matters

Every act of service has a purpose. While much of our work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt every day by the military families who walk through our doors.

This work matters because military families face unique challenges — from deployments and frequent relocations to time apart from loved ones. During those moments, having a community that offers support, encouragement, and compassion can make all the difference.

Honoring Veterans Through Community: The Annual Hearts for Heroes Fishing Trip

Being part of the recent Hearts for Heroes Fishing Trip was an experience I will always be grateful for. As a member of the Hampton Roads Armed Services YMCA team, I was honored to serve alongside our staff and volunteers while supporting the incredible veterans who joined us for the day.

While the event was centered around fishing, it was so much more. It was an opportunity to connect with veterans, listen to their stories, and learn from their experiences. Each conversation reminded me of the sacrifices they have made and the resilience they continue to show long after their military service.

Watching veterans laugh together, encourage one another, and enjoy time outdoors reminded me why the mission of the Armed Services YMCA is so important. Behind every event is a team working with purpose, but the true reward is seeing the meaningful connections created.

Growing Through Your Military Journey

If there’s one thing this journey as a military spouse and volunteer has taught me, it’s that strength doesn’t mean you never struggle. It means choosing to keep moving forward — leaning on community, accepting support, and believing that every challenge is helping us grow into who we’re meant to be.

Here’s some advice I would like to share with all the military spouses out there like me:

• Give Yourself Grace: You don’t have to have everything figured out. Some days are harder than others, and that’s okay.
• Build Your Community: Don’t be afraid to connect with other military spouses, organizations like the Armed Services YMCA, or your local support network. You don’t have to do this alone.
• Take Care of Your Mental Health: Prioritize rest, self-care, counseling, exercise, or whatever helps you stay grounded.
• Embrace the Journey: Military life may not always be easy, but it can shape you into someone stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient than you ever imagined.

Giving Back: Volunteer to Make a Difference

As a military spouse, volunteering has become a meaningful part of my journey. It has given me purpose during deployments, connected me with an incredible community, and reminded me that even small acts of service can make a lasting impact. Every opportunity to give back has helped me grow, build confidence, and find strength in serving families who understand this unique military life.

If you’d like to give back to this community, volunteer with the Armed Services YMCA. Each year, the Armed Services YMCA relies on more than 10,000 volunteers to deliver vital programs and services for military families.

You can — and will — make a difference when you volunteer.

Volunteer With Us

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Mary Joy Matias

Originally from Guam, Joy is a Navy spouse and parent of three currently stationed in Virginia. A former employee at ASYMCA’s childcare center, she vlogs about military life and is passionate about uplifting military families through transitions, deployments, and everyday experiences.