The Y's Emergency Response in Action

Julie Ites and her husband are both essential workers, and managing their kids during school closures was next to impossible. "The YMCA Emergency Childcare program was our saving grace," she says. "In the first few weeks of the shelter in place order, my husband and myself were required to maintain our working schedules with our daughter at home. This childcare gave us the ability to be available to work and provide a safe place for our daughter." At the Y, their young daughter can socialize and play in small groups of kids her age. She plays games, does crafts and enjoys tons of activities all while her parents are able to work and support our their family and community. "Without this option, I don't believe we could have been able to do our jobs," Julie says.