Amaya Cohens and Elijah Boom

As teen parents, Amaya Cohens and Elijah Boom balanced school, part-time jobs and the challenge of finding safe, reliable, and affordable child care for their daughter, Rayla.

They were able to turn to the YMCA’s Child Development Center program for assistance.

Today, Rayla attends the Child Development Center, located inside West High School, while Amaya studies nursing at WSU Tech and Elijah — who is now employed by Wichita Public Schools and studying Criminal Justice at Wichita State University – balances work and school. 

"The support and care my daughter received from the Northwest High CDC staff gave me peace of mind,” she said. “It’s reassuring to see the staff love and care for her. I am appreciative of positive impact the YMCA’s CDC program has had on our lives."