Finding Support After Difficult Transitions
Erica and Gabe and their two children found the Y after a move to Eugene from the Bay area last summer.
“This was a time of big transitions,” Erica says. “It was difficult moving to a new city. We all started something new, and we left all of our friends and family and community.”
Erica started a full-time doctoral program at the University of Oregon. Gabe started a new job. Their two elementary-age kids began 5th and 2nd grades in a brand-new school.
With Erica in graduate school, the couple also had a financial change.
“I learned that afterschool care for two kids would put us in the red every month,” she says.
Erica was unsure how they would manage until she learned about the Y’s financial assistance program, which offered a 50-percent discount on child care for Erica and Gabe.
“Financial assistance allows you to not focus on how you are going to make those payments every month,” Erica says. “You can focus on your work, your home life and your kids. It also boosts morale, so you also feel a part of a community that is there to support you.”
That community support also helped her children transition to their new home. When her daughter Birdie struggled with her behavior, Erica worked with site director Keeley to find a solution.
Keeley created a special notebook that was decorated with stickers because Birdie loves to sketch. She filled a box with fun items for stress relief when Birdie needed a break. And she even worked with Birdie to produce a podcast together!
Erica says that Keeley’s influence meant that Birdie had something to look forward to each day.
“Keeley went above and beyond to help my daughter. It was really touching to see the extra effort that was made,” she says. “Keeley looks out for all of the kids in her care. She is a guardian, caretaker, educator and compassionate human.”
Erica and Gabe feel secure knowing that they can turn to the Y for no-school days, summer camps and activities that will engage their children.
“The Y and its staff are there for the kids and the community,” Erica says. “I feel more confident knowing that this organization supports and cares deeply for families.”
