At the Sewickley Valley YMCA, we believe that everyone belongs. Whether it’s providing a safe space for kids to learn and grow or offering programs and services that help families in need, our mission is to support our community in every way possible. As we launch our annual campaign, Because Everyone Belongs, we had the privilege of sitting down with Alexa B., a 61-year-old grandmother from Crescent, to hear how the Y’s financial assistance program has been a lifeline for her and her three grandsons.
Alexa, thank you for sharing your story with us. Can you tell us how the YMCA has impacted your life?
I never expected to be raising my three grandsons at this point in my life, but when it became my reality, I had to find a way to balance my job with caring for three active boys. In 2021, I turned to the Sewickley Valley YMCA. The financial assistance program allowed me to enroll my grandsons in child care at reduced rates, which gave me the ability to keep working. Without that help, I don’t know how we would have managed.
It sounds like the financial assistance program really made a difference. How did your grandsons respond to the YMCA?
They loved it! The YMCA child care program was more than just a safe place for them to be—it provided structured activities that helped them learn while having fun. They made new friends and came home excited every day. It was a place where they could grow, develop, and feel like part of a community.
Beyond child care, were there other ways the Y supported your family?
Yes! We attended family events that were a great way to spend time together and burn off some extra energy. The Y also had programs that helped us get winter coats and shoes for the boys. These programs were a blessing when things were tight financially. The YMCA truly provided us with more than I ever expected.
What would life look like for you and your grandsons without the YMCA?
Without the Y’s financial assistance, my grandsons wouldn’t have had access to the same quality of care or the chance to make great friends. It’s more than just child care; it’s a community that helps us thrive. The Y gave me the peace of mind I needed to keep working and the boys a place to grow and learn. The YMCA has been our lifeline.
Support Families Like Alexa’s Through the YMCA
Alexa’s story is one of many, showing how the Sewickley Valley YMCA provides vital support to families across our community. Our Because Everyone Belongs annual campaign aims to raise funds so that we can continue to offer financial assistance to families in need. We believe that every family, regardless of their financial situation, should have access to the opportunities the Y provides—whether it’s child care, youth development programs, or essential services.
To learn more about our annual campaign, visit www.sewickleyymca.org/belong. Or, contact a team member in YMCA Development and Communications.
Your donation to the Because Everyone Belongs annual campaign helps ensure that families like Alexa’s can continue to thrive. With your support, we can provide access to quality programs that make a lasting difference in people’s lives.