YMCA of Southern Maine
For a Better Us.™
From Hardship to Hope
The COVID-19 pandemic has made life more challenging in many different ways for everyone. Ashley, mother of Aiden and Jordan, experienced her own personal hardship when she was laid off from her job early on in the pandemic. Suddenly, Ashley was without a job and having to raise two boys on her own during a very uncertain time.
Thankfully, Summer Care at the Y launched in June, a version of traditional Y summer camp that adheres to CDC guidelines and safely provides a childcare experience to working families. Ashley enrolled Aiden and Jordan in Camp Sokokis at the Northern York County branch. Since then they have been inseparable from the lawn sprinkler, and growing close with their counselors, who they can’t stop talking about.
“Hey, I know that guy! He’s pretty cool!” said Aiden to his mom on his way to the car one day after camp, pointing to a counselor.
While Summer Care has brought fun in the sun to Aiden and Jordan, it has also provided Ashley with rare time to focus on herself, specifically on her job search. While she has not found a job yet, she has been able to interview for some positions, and is confident that she will find just the right job before too long.
“Looking for a job during coronavirus has been tough, but Summer Care has allowed me the time to work on my job search and feel comfortable knowing that they boys are safe and in good hands”, said Ashley.
This economic impact is precisely one of the core reasons that the Y offered Summer Care in 2020. Providing a safe childcare opportunity so that parents can return to work or have respite was an important way for the Y to meet its mission. For Ashley, Summer Care provided more than just childcare for her two boys- it provided hope and peace- of- mind during a difficult time.
“I’m afraid of the Coronavirus coming back strongly in the fall, but I remain hopeful because the Y has shown that safety and health is important and that they know how to keep everyone safe while following the guidelines.
The Y gives Aiden and Jordan something to look forward to, and I am happy because they get to try new things. At the same time, I am able to focus on myself more”.
Thanks to generous donors, Summer Care is available to Ashley for her boys, and to all families regardless of their ability to pay. Without financial assistance, Summer Care wouldn't be an option for Aiden and Jordan.
Stories like theirs are possible because the YMCA believes that every kid deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and who they can become, regardless of financial standing. This belief stands firmly as a tenant of the Y’s mission thanks to the supporters who invest each year to secure it.
