The story below about a mom's personal struggles and the support she and her daughter have received at the Y to overcome a personal crisis says everything any of us will ever need to know about the importance of community. It's written by the mom of a child in our Betty Sterner Y Preschool in Catonsville. Read on.
“The Betty Sterner preschool has set the bar so high for preschool centers. I moved into the Dundalk area after surviving domestic violence, walking away from everything and reestablishing a sense of normalcy for my four year old. To my surprise, they held my hand and had my back through every single hardship, to include being in a shelter.
It hasn't been a few months; they have been fighting for my child to remain stable for almost two years. Every single associate from the Director, Mr. Bob, Ms. Vonda and Melanie have gone above and beyond making a way to keep Nova in their care. Her teachers genuinely care and got on my case at times. I appreciate every scolding.
They expressed love and concern, but still held me accountable. They made me understand the meaning of extended family when we had absolutely no one. There were a few times I just gave up, but they never did.
They would reach out by phone, email and carrier pigeon (I'm being dramatic about the pigeon). It felt as if they took my hardships personally without making me feel less than. My child has assigned teachers, (Ms. Mita) but all of the teachers help each other. I've toured centers closer to our new home and there are none that compare. This isn't some random review, this is my crazy life and my testimony.
I need every parent searching for a preschool to understand that it's a privilege to attend this particular location, so I suggest you start praying there is a spot available."
This week is National Public Health Week. As this story so poignantly illustrates, achieving a good state of public health happens when people take responsibility for the collective good and help one another across all dimensions of health: physical, mental and emotional.
I am forever proud of Bob Smith and his Y associate team at the Betty Sterner Preschool in Catonsville. Their compassionate care for this family has anchored them in true community; clearly blunting the long-term effects of a terrible crisis in their lives. Thanks also to the mother who had the courage to so candidly share her story.
As extraordinary as this story is, what I know and have seen over the years is that it’s not a unique situation in our Y. This focus on surrounding people, who come to us for so many different reasons, in a strong, caring community is the essence of our work here.
And so, I want to thank and recognize all our Y’s associates who are daily supporting good public health in so many ways. Whether in a preschool, a Head Start center, a Y family or swim center, an after school or community school program, a summer camp program or the many other communities we build in all of the work we do, there are Y associates helping people of all ages and backgrounds, surrounding our community in care and compassion, backed by the knowledge and resources to make real and lasting change worthy of celebration every day of the year.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland