Youth and Family Services, Inc – Child Development Center
At the beginning of the year, Payton’s father was incarcerated. While this was traumatic for Payton, it also placed significant strain on his mother, who faces her own mental health challenges. As she balances attending school with a limited ability to work full-time, paying for consistent childcare became increasingly difficult. Payton has been enrolled at YFS’ Child Development Center since 2023 and has remained with the same teacher since August 2024. The stability and consistency of this relationship have helped him feel secure, comfortable, and supported, and he is thriving. At the end of this month, Payton will graduate from the program and transition to kindergarten. Thanks to funding from United Way, YFS’ Child Development Center has been able to provide temporary financial support to this family throughout Payton’s final year in the program. This assistance has helped ensure continuity of care and allowed Payton to remain in the only childcare environment he has known as he prepares for kindergarten.