The Gateway Family YMCA—Elizabeth Branch, 135 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

As a non-profit, the Y relies on volunteers to

help us strengthen the community. At the

Elizabeth Branch, volunteers are an integral

part our organization. Chris and Maribel believe

in giving back to their community and became

volunteers at the Y. They quickly became a part

of our Y family, helping in any way they could.

While volunteering, Chris and Maribel learned about the School Age Child Care Program and

they were eager to get their daughter involved rather than having her sit at home “bored”

every day after school. Angel has Autism, so attending an aftercare program seemed like

something that would never be possible because she struggles socially and in large group

situations. Angel is in a self-contained classroom in school and does not get much opportunity

for socialization with other children her age. Her parents thought the Y’s after school program

would be a good experience for Angel.

When Angel joined our program, there were almost 30 children at her site which seemed

daunting for her, given her small classroom size. However, with her parents support and the

patience of our counselors, Angel not only successfully attended the program throughout the

year, but also made friends for the first time and participated in all group activities. Maribel was

so pleased with her daughter’s experience and eager for it to continue that Angel attended our

summer camp program.

Angel has truly blossomed in her time at the Y. In our program she is Angel, a young girl who

loves art, not the girl with autism. While Chris and Maribel’s Y journey began as them wanting

to give back to their community, it quickly expanded into something more and has offered the

whole family opportunity, enrichment and a strong sense of belonging.

For Healthy Families. For Social Responsibility. For Building Community.

The Y.™ For a better us.™

DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS STRONG FAMILY

ELIZABETH BRANCH

CHRIS & MARIBEL’S STORY