YMCA Helps Family Thrive

By: Carrie Mundrick | Monday, March 28, 2022 | Our Cause

Diverse group of children having fun in a YMCA School Age Child Care program. Credit: Y-USA

The Wayne YMCA has been a large part of my life for the past five years. When my children and I moved back to New Jersey from the Adirondacks in 2016 I knew the YMCA would be a resource for me and my children.

When we lived in New York we were members at the Glens Falls Area YMCA. Looking for activities that my children could participate in and a camp for the summer I looked to the Wayne YMCA. Financial assistance was essential as I am a single mother and at the time I was in college to earn my master's degree. Without FA, I would not have been able to have child care for my daughter so I could work. 

As I was pursuing my master’s degree Jessica Malas and the teachers at the Early Childhood center welcomed me to do practicum hours. My daughter, Molly, was thriving in the aftercare program, making friends and participating in swim lessons and dance classes. By far her favorite activity is being a part of the theater program. Molly went from being a very shy girl to an outgoing, confident actress on the stage. Molly has been involved in 5 shows at the Rosen Performing Arts Center and is looking forward to another production this summer. Not only has she made some very good friends, but her independence and autonomy has also grown by leaps and bounds.

For many years I worked in child care centers. When I visited the YMCA to enroll Molly in the aftercare program, I knew right away that she would be a priority. The activities calendar was full of projects and opportunities to exercise and play. Being at work instead of with her in the afternoon was hard, but I knew she was having fun at the YMCA and was most importantly, safe and cared for. 

Lindsey Savoie has become a friend over the past five years, helping Molly through the difficult transitions of the pandemic. After being home in quarantine for so long, Molly struggled to assimilate back into school. As the fall of 2020 approached and schedules were constantly changing I was afraid of where she would be when I had to go into work. I was a newly hired teacher working at my dream job I worked so hard for, and staying home for virtual days for the middle schools wasn’t an option. Lindsey was in constant contact with updates and had room for Molly to attend on the days she was not in person at school. Knowing she was going to get the help she needed while I went to work was a huge relief. So much of that fall was a struggle for everyone. Affording extra child care expenses and making sure Molly was being supported with school was a worry that the YMCA and its top-notch team of caregivers took off my list of anxieties. Surviving the ups and downs of the 2020-2021 school year was a task like none other. With the help of Lindsey and her team, we all made it through.

Aside from child care and activities for Molly, my son was able to earn his lifeguard certification and was able to get employment as a lifeguard. He is currently a swim instructor and loves working with young children. It has been a great first employment experience. He has made friends and learned the ropes of the world of employment. Lifeguard training would have been unaffordable if not for the YMCA. It opened an economic opportunity for my son that I am grateful for.

In conclusion, the YMCA has brought companionship, employment, opportunities and fun to my family. Having a place where we feel welcome and can participate the same as others thanks to the generosity of donors to the YMCA annual campaign.

-Carrie Mundrick is a parent of children who attend YMCA programs.