READ OTHER 2017 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RECIPIENT’S STORIES HERE.
TAKEN OFF THE STREETS, THANKS IN PART TO THE Y.
We received a call from a local superintendent with an emergency situation. They had a child with Down Syndrome who had been living on the streets with his father in Philadelphia, sleeping in a cardboard box. Instead of attending school with other 5th grade students, the child was left alone for long periods of time while his father used drugs.
The child was taken by Children and Youth Services and was now living in our area. We worked with the school district, child services, and the family that was now caring for him to ensure a smooth transition.
Thanks to our financial assistance program and the money we raise, this child is now safe in our before and after school program. It will take time, but overall he is slowly starting to blossom. The school and our afterschool program are vested in helping to see him grow. I feel very blessed to be a part of an organization that helps in this way.
FROM THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO RECEIVED HELP BECAUSE OF DONORS LIKE YOU
— As a single mother, I am so thankful and humbled by the generosity of the annual campaign. I enjoy volunteering my time at North Penn YMCA events where they might need a helping hand. Being a single mom of a 5-year-old, and working full-time is a lot less stressful when you are surrounded by opportunities to get outside yourself and show your appreciation by giving back your time. Volunteering at North Penn YMCA and being a recipient of gifts from this wonderful program has fulfilled my heart in ways I didn’t know were possible. And for that, I am extremely thankful.
— I have worked my whole life, but that doesn’t mean when you get to be 81 everything will be smooth sailing. I had some financial trouble a few years ago and lost quite a bit of my retirement money. It was a very tough time. When I handed in my paperwork to quit the Y, they told me about their financial assistance program. I decided I just needed to bite the bullet and apply. I’m so glad I did! The Y has been terrific to me and made it affordable to keep working out. Thank you for helping me out so I can stay in shape, which is really important when you’re my age. The Y really does care about keeping us healthy, even if we can’t afford it.
— I came to North Penn YMCA not sure how I was going to pay for childcare. I was a single mother in debt, and the Y offered me a fair rate that I can afford to pay. It has been a blessing financially and emotionally knowing that I can afford to have my son in a reputable, safe, and loving day care program. I am forever grateful for the gift offered to me by the North Penn YMCA. To be honest, I don’t know what I would have done without it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!