We hadn’t seen Stevie in over a year.

When he was last in the YMCA’s After School program, his mom was struggling to keep herself together and it was wearing on Stevie.  Gone was the constant smile and eagerness to run and play.  In their place was a pair of sad eyes and drooped shoulders that were heavy with burden of a family breaking apart.

This fall, Dad brought Stevie back to the YMCA.

“He’s been asking to go to the YMCA and I need to find a job to support my family,” said Dad.  He explained that Mom had left earlier in the year.  This had forced him to quit his gang activities and step up to be the man and father he always knew he could be.

Because of the YMCA scholarship program, Dad could afford to put Stevie back into the program he loves.

Dad found a job, but kept his scholarship so he could continue to provide his family with everything they need.

And Stevie’s smile is back!  It looks just like his father’s.

The names of the individuals have been changed to protect their privacy.