Mary Trescot
May 15, 2008 10:13 pm
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(Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of three articles portraying individuals who have been given an opportunity through money donated to the Moultrie YMCA’s Building Better Lives campaign (formerly known as the Patron Drive) and some of those who have made a difference through a gift. Financial assistance — made possible through gifts to the Building Better Lives campaign — make YMCA programs and services available for youth and families who cannot afford them on their own.
The majority of financial assistance is awarded in YMCA memberships, followed by the Y’s school age child care programs — afterschool and summer day camp, youth sports and adult memberships for rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise.
The Fund Drive runs through the end of May.)
By Mary Trescot
YMCA volunteer
MOULTRIE — Isabel Garza is typical of many young women. She married and became a stay-at-home mother at a very young age. Once her three children became school age, she began thinking that she might be able to contribute to the family financially, if she sought employment.
The idea of working after being home for so long was very frightening, Garza said.
“I had a high school diploma but little work experience,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how to begin the process.”
Her fluency in Spanish gave her a quick edge in the job market and she secured employment in a local physician’s office.
“I was very timid and scared and not at all sure I could handle being out in the work world,” added Garza.
While Garza worried about her ability to succeed in her new job, she had a far greater challenge to deal with — the issue of childcare.
“Almost every mother these days has to face the childcare issue,” she said. “For me it wasn’t just finding a caring and safe place to leave my children afterschool and during the summer, but one that I could afford. My husband and I were on a very tight budget and we were trying to save money to purchase our first home. Three children in day care and a fourth child on the way, I wasn’t sure I could afford to go to work.”
A friend told Garza about the YMCA’s policy of not being turned away due to the inability to pay.
“It was difficult to go and ask for assistance, but they were so nice and they really understood my situation. I filled out an application and they based my scholarship on our household income and other circumstances,” stated Garza. “Without the scholarships I am not sure what we would have done.”
While the financial help is crucial to the Garza family, they value more what their children are getting from their Y experience, Garza said.
“First, I know they are safe and with people that really care about them. Second, my children have had many more opportunities than we could have provided. The “Y” takes them on field trips and the world of sports has been opened to my son. One of his coaches has really influenced him, and I can see it reflected in his attitude and schoolwork. Third, I know they are learning good basic values — the same values we believe at home,” Garza said.
The Garza children join more than 550 children who participate daily in the PRIMETIME program. PRIMETIME is an afterschool child care program (PRIMETIME also provides care on scheduled school holidays) that is run by the Moultrie YMCA and offered at Colquitt County elementary schools as well as a site at the Y.
“More than a quarter of the PRIMETIME participants are on some kind of financial assistance. PRIMETIME along with summer day camp is an affordable, fun and safe alternative for working parents,” said Greg Coop, YMCA executive director. “If these kids weren’t with us everyday, they might be home alone and vulnerable to crime and negative peer influence. Some parents just have to work to support their families; they shouldn’t have to worry about their kids home alone and unsupervised. PRIMETIME offers homework assistance, sports, arts and crafts, and games.
“In combination with our Fitness Department, we are adding new activities to our PRIMETIME schedule to combat childhood obesity,” adds Coop.
In the four years since Garza first thought about getting a job she is proud to say that her children are happy, she has been promoted at work, and she and her husband just purchased their first home.
“The ‘Y’ was the answer for us, I am grateful that my kids have found a second home at the Moultrie YMCA,” she said.
Like Garza, Lisa Zeanah has children and values the lessons taught at the “Y”.
“Raising money for the ‘Y’ is like making an investment in the future,” stated Zeanah.
Zeanah is a member of the Moultrie YMCA Board of Directors. Currently, she is heading a division of the Building Better Lives campaign to raise funds for Y scholarships.
“I personally donate and work to raise money for the ‘Y’ because I know the money ensures scholarships to deserving children,” she said. “I know these kids are taught good, strong values that will guide them through the rest of their lives. I give to be assured that all of our Y kids have the best tools for leadership to help ensure a strong community for tomorrow.”
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