Charlie

Charlie is one young person the Greater Wichita YMCA’s Child Care branch helped rediscover a love for learning.

Charlie's mom shared with our team that every morning was a struggle. Getting him out of bed and to school felt like a battle. His poor attendance was contributing to low grades, he didn't have many friends and school had become a source of frustration rather than excitement. While she wasn't sure if the YMCA Summer of Awesome Reading program would make a difference, she knew Charlie needed something to help him reconnect with learning.

Just a few weeks into the program, things began to change. Charlie was making friends, participating in activities, STEM projects, field trips and building confidence. More than improving academic skills, the program gave Charlie something even more important – a sense of belonging.

When school started that fall, Charlie's mom shared exciting news. Not only was she no longer struggling to get him out of bed each morning, but his attendance had improved. He was participating more in class, and he was making gains not only in reading but across all areas of his schoolwork. 

His story just goes to show what can happen when a child finds confidence and belonging at the YMCA.