Helping Kids Learn and Grow

Emily and Dave Murthy are co-parents to girls Veda and Bodhi and joined the YMCA at Pabst Farms in 2018. From the start, the Y became an invaluable part of the Murthy family’s lives.

Veda started at the Y child care center when she was 2 and her younger sister Bodhi started in the infant room. As the girls grew and began school, the Murthys relied on YCare and 4K wrap, programs that offers seamless before and after-school care directly at their school. This program has been a pillar of support for their family. Says Dave, “Mornings are often a whirlwind of getting out the door, and knowing that the YMCA is there to greet their girls with a warm welcome makes the transition smoother.” The staff’s dedication and care have transformed those early mornings into something the whole family looks forward to—a place where Veda and Bodhi can catch up with friends, engage in enriching activities, and start their day with a smile.

As nurse anesthetists, both Dave and Emily face unpredictable work hours. The YMCA has provided them with the support they need to balance their careers and family life. “It’s given us the ability to continue working while also raising our children. It’s helped us maintain our life,” Emily shares. She especially appreciates that Veda is exposed to other age groups through YCare as well as Summer Camp. Veda had been intimidated about interacting with older kids but through the guidance of the Y staff she has grown in confidence.  

Reflecting on their time at the YMCA, Dave notes, “The Y has been more than just a service; it’s been a partner in our journey—a community that has embraced us and helped us flourish. As we gear up for another season of fun and learning, I can’t help but feel grateful for the role the YMCA has played in our lives.” Emily adds, “Because of the Y, our kids have developed into wonderful young girls.”

“The Y has been more than just a service; it’s been a partner in our journey—a community that has embraced us and helped us flourish. As we gear up for another season of fun and learning, I can’t help but feel grateful for the role the YMCA has played in our lives.”

We’d love to hear your Y story!

Flourishing in YCare

Melanie and Gabe, parents to Wyatt (7), Jameson (4), and baby Sylvie (8 weeks), know firsthand the challenge of balancing full-time jobs with raising a young family. To help make their schedules work, they turned to the Y Care program, which has provided the flexibility they need to drop off Wyatt and Jameson before school and pick them up later in the afternoon.

For Wyatt, Y Care has been a place to grow and explore. Over the years, he’s become more independent, gained social skills, and discovered creative outlets like arts and crafts. One of his favorite activities? Perler fuse beads—he loved them so much the family even got some to use at home! Melanie shares, “We live in a subdivision, and he has been able to build friendships through Y Care that now extend outside of school and the program.”

This year, Jameson joined the program. Having never attended a structured daycare or program before, he is already benefitting from the structure and social opportunities. He has also expanded his palate and is even trying new foods—something Melanie and Gabe are especially excited to see. “We look forward to seeing his progress over the next year,” Melanie adds.

For Melanie and Gabe, Y Care is a solution that benefits their whole family. “The Y Care program provides balance so we can be fully present for work and our kiddos have an opportunity to socialize, work on homework or reading, and engage in various crafts/activities. It is a win-win for our family.”

They also appreciate how accessible the program is. “Because of the Y, our family can flourish. The programming fits within our budget and allows Gabe and I to maintain our careers while supporting our children so they can engage in additional opportunities outside of the traditional school hours.”

“Because of the Y, our family can flourish. The programming fits within our budget and allows Gabe and I to maintain our careers while supporting our children so they can engage in additional opportunities outside of the traditional school hours.”

We’d love to hear your Y story!