With five kids, Vanessa wanted only the best care and experiences for her children.
Struggling to find the quality care she desired, Vanessa worried about finding childcare for her twin daughters and programs for her other children.
It was through Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that Vanessa had first learned about the YMCA’s Preschool University. When the Y was able to help her find spots for her twin daughters, Vanessa was elated. The flexibility and care offered at Preschool University not only gave her peace of mind but it gave her the opportunity to take classes at Crafton Hills College.
When she saw how attentive and supportive the Y staff was with her children, she knew that she had found the care she desired for her family.
“The staff here, you fall in love with people who take care of your kids because they are helping you so much. They have really helped me out, everyone,” shared Vanessa.
“You can see how everyone enjoys their work and being here, helping the kids. It honestly gets me emotional because I know you don’t have that everywhere.”
Her oldest daughters, Savannah and Shyanne, started taking swim lessons and got plugged into other Y programs. This year, they both attended the Y Girl Vibe Retreat at Camp Edwards where they walked away with a new appreciation for the outdoors and a new group of friends.
“Since being a part of the YMCA, I see such a difference in my kids. They’re advanced compared to other kids their age and they have great conversational skills,” shared Vanessa.
Providing affordable and quality childcare means that every child has the care needed to succeed in school. Eliminating cost-based barriers, the Y gives families – like the Chavez family– the opportunity for betterment in a safe, inclusive environment.
“Vanessa and her children are such joys to have in our programs,” shared Andrea Guevara, the Associate Executive Director at Preschool University.
“It is a privilege to get to see them grow up and to be able to offer Vanessa the support her family needs to live well.”
