Success Stories
EDUCATION
Little Brother Michael is being raised by a single mother who works full-time. He has several siblings at home and at the end of the day there isn't a lot of time for Mom to work with all of the children on homework. Prior to being matched with his Big Brother Andrew, Michael was struggling considerably in school. Big Brother Andrew began spending dedicated homework time with Michael at each visit and Michael is now earning A's and B's on his report cards.
-From Big Brothers Big Sisters One-to-One Mentoring program, a UWCC Community Fund investment
Ryan (age 6) and Matthew (age 8) relocated unexpectedly to West Chester with their mother, Dierdre, to escape an abusive situation. New to the area, Dierdre needed immediate full day care for her two boys so they enrolled in camp after fulfilling eligibility for YMCA financial assistance. After a few weeks of being hesitant to reach out to other campers, the boys settled in and found a routine. The boys stayed with the WCYMCA for the rest of the summer and eventually enrolled in the Before/After School program. Deirdre shared her gratitude for the YMCA's financial support as well as the staff's perseverance in establishing the Y as a safe, positive environment to foster her children's development. Both boys are now flourishing in their new school and in their new neighborhood.
-From YMCA West Chester Child Care Financial Aid program, a UWCC Community Fund investment
West Chester Area School District referred a brother (age 13) and his sister (age 16) to the TEAM program. Their family had just moved here from Mexico and neither member spoke any English. Bilingual staff assisted the kids throughout the school year with their homework, reading and teaching them the spoken English language. They are beginning to read at their grade level and their English skills continue to improve. Without TEAM, these two would have had a hard time adjusting to life in the United States. In addition to assisting them with academics, the bilingual staff assisted them with life skills. On occasion they also assist their parents with English speaking concerns.
- From YWCA Chester County, Teaching, Enrichment Activities and More (TEAM) Tutoring Program, a Community Fund investment
INCOME
Kevin is a recent recipient of a donated car through Open Hearth's JumpStart program and is currently growing his savings in Open Hearth's Family Savings Partner-Program. This savings-match program is intended to build saving habits for income eligible individuals - the savings and match money must be used for an approved use such as a the purchase of a home or car, home or car repair, starting a business, or education for the participant or their children. Kevin had reported that he might have to withdraw from the savings program because he didn’t have the money to save. Before his JumpStart car, Kevin was spending his extra income on public transportation just to get to work! After meeting with Kevin and reviewing his budget, it was determined that he would be able to afford the gas, insurance, and upkeep of the donated car. Kevin stated that he appreciates the car and with reliable cost-effective transportation, he has not only been able to maintain his employment, he can continue with his personal savings program. The JumpStart car has made all the difference for Kevin!
- Open Hearth JumpStart, a UWCC Community Fund investment
JL and her son were on the verge of homelessness when JL, who has a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design but was unable to find work, was referred to Interfaith Housing Assistance Corporation (IHAC). In JL's words, "I was lost until I met Miss Diane and Miss Ros. The skills, education, guidance and support I received from Interfaith Housing allowed me to get my life back on track." The new JL is a confident, lovely young woman, who recently accepted a job with Emory University Hospital. Her son is registered in school and doing well. JL reports "Atlanta is a good fashion center and I am part-time pursuing my dream of a career in fashion design or beginning my own business."
- From Interfaith Housing Assistance Corporation of Chester County (IHAC), Financial and Personal Independence for Homeless or Near Homeless, a UWCC Community Fund investment
HEALTH
"I have been a member of the Brandywine YMCA for 13 years and I exercise with the Fitness Lite Class 3 days a week. My doctor recently wanted me to have a stress test. Several days later, my doctor called and told me that my stress test results were very good – the same as a "teenager." When I told him I was 78 years old, he was shocked. I attribute my good health to the exercises I do in the Fitness Lite Land and Water Classes at the Brandywine YMCA."
- Betty G., a program participant of Brandywine YMCA Senior Services, a UWCC Community Fund investment
Leslie was four years old when she arrived at CVIM with rampant decay in most of her primary teeth. The CVIM team went to work immediately helping her feel comfortable with her surroundings, gaining her trust and keeping her spirits up. She was clearly in pain and needed extensive work. Ideally, the work would have been performed in a specialist’s office during one or two visits but with no insurance and no means to pay even a portion of the costs, Leslie would need to come to CVIM for multiple visits over a longer period of time. Over numerous visits, the staff and volunteers worked to remove very large areas of decay. Had her mother not come to us when she did, Leslie would have experienced raging abscesses that could have potentially been life threatening. The dental team looks forward to Leslie returning in 6 months for her routine cleaning.
-CVIM Dental Services, a UWCC Community Fund investment
