More Than a Scholarship: A YCare Summer That Changed Everything

“We just want our child to have a summer like every other kid.”

That’s what one family told the YMCA of the Twin Tiers after being turned away by every other childcare provider. Their child, who uses a wheelchair and has complex medical needs, had been deemed “too risky.” No one could guarantee the level of care required.

At the YMCA of the Twin Tiers, the challenge wasn’t whether to say yes; it was how.

Staff carefully planned, evaluated safety needs, and even conducted a “dry run” to make sure they could provide the right support. What followed exceeded every expectation. Not only did the child attend summer camp that first day – he stayed the entire summer.

Just like any other kid, he went home exhausted each day from playing hard, making friends, and having fun, but the impact didn’t stop there.

A Ripple Effect Across the Entire Camp

What began as one scholarship became something much bigger.

For the other campers, it was a lesson in inclusion. “Different” quickly became normal, and even celebrated. Staff and children alike saw firsthand that this camper was just as fun, just as capable of connection, and just as much a part of the group as anyone else.

For YMCA staff, it was transformational. What they provided wasn’t just childcare, it was an experience that reshaped how they think about what’s possible.

And for the broader community, the ripple effects continue. One scholarship touched:

• 120 campers

• More than 20 staff members

• Dozens of families

As Jeff Townsend, YMCA of the Twin Tiers CEO, put it, the impact “can’t be quantified – it’s profound.”

Expanding Access for Families Who Need It Most

Stories like this are made possible through United Way funding, which helps families across Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties access early childhood education, after-school programs, and summer camp.

Since receiving funding, the YMCA has:

• Expanded financial assistance for families facing high childcare costs

• Helped parents maintain stable employment

• Increased access to safe, high-quality learning environments

For many families, the support is life-changing.

One parent shared:

“Thanks to the YMCA scholarship program, our family was able to enroll both of our children in the summer camp program in Wellsville. Now we no longer worry about balancing work with child care costs, and we’ve seen our children thrive, making friends, building confidence, and developing new skills. This support has truly made a difference in our lives in ways we cannot even measure.”

More Than Childcare: A Foundation for the Future

At its core, the YMCA’s program is about more than supervision. It’s about creating a space where children can explore, grow, and belong.

Using research-based curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, the YMCA helps bridge gaps that can occur during out-of-school time, especially over the summer. Children build social skills, strengthen their confidence, and continue learning in ways that feel engaging and natural.

For families facing financial hardship, this consistency matters even more. It provides a stable, supportive environment where children are safe, connected, and set up for success.

Sometimes, the simplest opportunity – a chance to attend camp, to learn, to play – can change everything.

From Staying Safe to Growing Strong

Because of United Way’s support, Townsend said, kids aren’t left home alone or missing out on experiences that shape who they become. They’re learning to swim, building friendships, speaking up, and figuring out how to navigate the world around them. 

It’s about more than keeping kids busy; it’s about keeping them safe, seen, and supported in ways many people don’t even realize are needed.

“It’s a scholarship that helps, but it’s so much more,” Townsend said.