You Are the
Y Champion

Marlene Waldock, YMCA Board Member, shares why she gives to the YMCA

Financial Assistance Transforms Child Care Experience for Family

When Maria Silvera needed child care with enriching activities and hours that worked for her job, she enrolled her children, Jose and Jayleen, in the East Orange YMCA’s Early Childhood Learning program. But when the cost of after-school care became too much, she had to withdraw them—fearing she might even have to leave her job. Her children were heartbroken.

“Every day my kids would ask, ‘Mommy, when are we going back to the YMCA?’ They were so eager to return,” Maria said. “That’s when I realized the Y was the best place for them.”

After Maria shared her situation, Child Care Director Sharon Park and Executive Director Leah Greene quickly worked to secure financial assistance so Jose and Jayleen could return to the program. Their support allowed Maria to keep her job and gave her children the safe, nurturing environment they loved.

“Now I can go to work without worrying,” Maria said. “Thanks to this financial assistance program, I was able to keep my job and give my children the best education possible here at the YMCA.”

How the YMCA Helped Karlene and Her Family

My name is Karlene Antoine, a single mother of four adopted children, three with special needs. Almost three years ago, we moved to Sussex County for a better environment where my children could thrive. Like many parents, I strived to make informed choices as we adjusted to a new community and schools.

From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Danial’s YMCA Story

When Kaitlyn Ghiassi and her husband moved to New Jersey so he could begin an unpaid medical rotation, their young family faced financial strain and uncertainty. Their son Danial, who was 2-years-old, was struggling with some speech delays and needed opportunities to socialize, explore, and grow. Kaitlyn hoped to give him normal childhood experiences during this transition and turned to the YMCA.

With support from the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, Danial enrolled in child care at the West Essex YMCA’s Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center and began to thrive. His social, emotional, and intellectual skills progressed rapidly, and he found a place where he could develop confidence, curiosity, and connection.

Finding Support After Loss

My husband Brian passed away in a tragic car accident on Aug. 16, 2020. Brian was the most involved dad there could ever be. Because of our work hours, he was always the one that dropped the girls off at school and picked them up every day. When Brian passed away so suddenly, besides the grief, I was completely lost as far as caring for the girls.