“I was approached in February, 2018 by a grandmother of 4 children, she informed me her daughter and son-in-law lost the custodial rights of the 4 children and she has been granted custody. She expressed to me she was on a limited income and had to work every day to make ends meet. Being a working parent with 2 children of my own at half her age I immediately felt sympathy for this lady. She said, “Mr. Brian, I have to work to support my grandbabies but I have nowhere for them to go this summer and I can’t afford to put 4 children in daycare.” She said, “ I will volunteer for the YMCA as much as I can just to help offset the cost, I don’t want or expect anything for free but any financial aid you could spare would be greatly appreciated.” I knew immediately she was in a big bind. The YMCA’s motto has always been we will never turn any child away for the inability to pay. I told her let me see what I can do for you! I took her phone number and the next day I returned her call and gave her the news she was hoping for. I told her I will allow those children in for free. She instantly replied in a sobbing voice, “Please don’t kid me for free?” “Is this for real for free?” I replied it is our pleasure to help such a fine lady like yourself and if you still want to volunteer for us we would love to have you! She said just let me know how I can help you! Since that phone call from me informing her the children may come for free she has come down to the YMCA almost every Saturday or Sunday to help clean our facility and since she is such a wonderful person and the kids are so grateful we also provided them with a family year membership so they always have a place to go and be a family!
The financial assistance we receive from the United Way and other allies of the YMCA help us continue to help those in need and continue to impact children’s lives one day at a time!”
– YMCA Wheeling