D’Mario’s Story
D’Mario was looking for a path forward. In the Y, he found a community that could walk alongside him and help him lead the way.
More than a Job—a Family.
When D’Mario first came to the YMCA through our Career Pathways program as a young man, he was seeking an opportunity. But life has a way of becoming “shaky.” Between the uncertainty of food insecurity and the weight of not having a place to call home, D’Mario felt alone. At his lowest point, he almost decided to leave the Twin Cities and start over—but instead, he chose to return to the Y.
At the Y, D’Mario didn’t just find programs. He found Ceadric, a manager who became a father figure. He found the Youth and Family Services team, who helped him navigate the path to his own front door. Most importantly, he found a place where he was cared for, which allowed him to start caring for himself and his community.
“You’re not alone anymore. You’re part of a family that’s so much larger than you even know.” – Ceadric Ashford, YMCA Community & Teen Impact Manager
A Solid Foundation
Through the YMCA, D’Mario moved from housing instability to his own apartment. Today, he’s made home comfortable for himself and his cat, Snickers.
Mentorship that Matters
D’Mario describes Ceadric as his “peace towards life.” Their relationship shows how transformation doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens through connection.
Giving Back to the Northside
D’Mario now works at the Y on the kitchen staff, ensuring kids have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He’s gone from wondering where his next meal is coming from to being the one who provides it for others.
A New Perspective
For a long time, D’Mario viewed the world as a place where you had to look out for yourself just to get by. But at the Y, he found a community that looked out for him first—a place that gave him room to breathe and focus on building the life he wanted. Today he’s the one bringing the “good energy” at the Y, pouring that same care back into the next generation.
“Going into the YMCA changed my way to view the world,” says D’Mario. “As long as you have the emotions of honesty, caring, and just being you and having a passion to be better…life is going to get better.”
Center for Social Impact
The Career Pathways, Beacons, and Youth and Family Services programs that have supported D’Mario’s journey are programs of YMCA of the North’s Center for Social Impact, working to close gaps in access, address disparities, and strengthen community wellbeing for today and tomorrow.
What Moves You?
Making an Impact
D’Mario’s story is a testament to what happens when resilience meets a supportive community. Your gift to the Y's Youth and Family Services programs ensures that when a neighbor is at their “last option,” the Y is there to walk alongside them.