Our story begins last February. My husband came home and told us he was no longer employed. I was 7 months pregnant and thought "oh no" what are we going to do. We would no longer have insurance or his income coming in and on top of that my husband I wanted to start a company. I took a deep breath and said ok I believe in you and we will get through whatever comes our way.

The summer was coming up and I had to think of how we were going to send Alexander to the YMCA Camp at Pineland. I knew he would be bored and restless because a newborn takes more than just time, it takes a lot of energy and I only had enough for one child during the day. The Pineland YMCA's Scholarship Program came to the rescue along with grandma and grandpa. Fortunately the Pineland Y is right across the street and Alexander loved walking, biking, or taking his razor to the Y with his sister to show her off to the counselors and new friends he made at camp. The Y Summer Camp Program was great. Every week featured a new theme and everyday was a new adventure for Alexander. The stories he told of how awesome his counselors were became an earful of joy for me and Alexander's new sister Errow to listen to. I can not say enough about the staff associated with the camp. They are incredible. The staff really enjoyed being with the kids and it shows by all the happy faces I saw every morning. Alexander liked to be at camp so much that we couldn't pick him up until 5:30 because that's when the movie ended.

The fall came and we were all in need of a membership to better ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally and who was to the rescue again, the Pineland YMCA. I myself have a predisposition for type 2 diabetes after having gestational diabetes with both children. I just love the new program "Mommy and me" which is held 2 days a week. Errow and I enjoy the program and feel grateful that it is offered during a time that I am available. We also got into the fall swimming session and Errow loves the water; especially how warm it is. Alexander is in swim classes and always wants to play basketball when he finishes his lesson. Where do these children get all this energy? I always said someone could make a million dollars if they could just bottle a child's energy.

My husband, after working a 50 hour work week needs an outlet to relieve the stress and tension of work, home, and kids. He gets this release by going to the gym alone or with Alexander to shoot some hoops. He wants to start working out but right now it is hard to find the time but hopefully in the New Year he will take the time for himself.

Our family can not say thank you enough for helping us out when we really needed it. I know in the future when we are not in need that we will do what ever is needed to help the next person, child or family. Thank you Phil and thank you YMCA.

The Cumberland County YMCA, with its Greater Portland , Casco Bay Regional, YMCA at Pineland and Otter Pond Camp branches, is committed to building strong kids, individuals, families and communities through programs and services that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, regardless of ability to pay.