Enrolling her children in our South Shore YMCA Afterschool Program in Quincy provided Ana the reliable, safe childcare she needed to pursue her goals. With financial assistance from the South Shore YMCA, Ana is able to access these vital services while providing for her family. “Thanks to the afterschool program, I’ve been able to further my education and maintain a stable job while my children are cared for. They’ve been a big part of my journey to success,” Ana shared.
All three of Ana’s children have thrived in the program. Her oldest son started attending the afterschool program at age six, and today, at 19, he is attending college in New York. Her two daughters, ages 12 and 9, have also been part of the program since they were six, and enjoy spending time with friends, playing games, and getting help with homework.
“The Y has been more than just a place for my kids to go after school,” Ana said. “It’s been a community for us. The staff, like Ervica, have become like family. They know us, they care for us, and they’ve been there to help me when I needed it most. And with the assistance we receive, I’ve been able to focus on building a better future for my family.”
Today, Ana is thriving as a manager, a position she’s proudly held for the past three years. The support she receives through our afterschool program has allowed her to persue her career goals and focus on building a better future for her family, while the relationships she and her children have formed have given them a sense of belonging and stability.