Shayla Adkins and her children joined the Y in 2013 through the Open Doors program. Her two boys were enrolled in preschool and now attend before and after school care and summer camp. “I wanted to place them in an environment that inspired them to develop and grow, made them feel safe to try new things and allowed us to create lifelong memories as a family. We found that at the Y!”

Shayla, a single mom, says the Y embodies the warmth of a family and helped her during a difficult time. “The Y was more than just a facility to us, it was our escape.” Shayla and her children found new activities to try and gained new friendships with other families. “I met one of my best friends and her son thanks to the before and aftercare program at the Y and now we enjoy exploring new activities together.”

Shayla’s favorite thing about the Y is all of the different programs and classes available all in one place. “Where else can you find a place that offers such diversity and opportunity to try so many new things” Shayla’s boys have played tennis, golf, basketball, tee-ball, soccer, karate and have even enjoyed family cooking classes and yoga. Shayla enjoys having the freedom to participate in the ballet, swim and group classes while her sons have fun spending time in the Y’s childcare center.