A FULL NIGHT'S SLEEP IS A FADING MEMORY FOR YVONNE AGUAYO. As the parent of a newborn, she can tell you that anyone who says they "sleep like a baby" has never had a baby. Yvonne's husband cannot share in the overnight parenting rituals of feedings, diaper changing and singing lullabies because he is deployed with the 2nd PA Stryker Brigade in Iraq.
The YMCA Military Outreach Initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Defense, the Armed Services YMCA and YMCAs, helps
families like the Aguayos and many others who must confront the hardships and uncertainties of military deployment. The initiative connects them with the larger YMCA community in addition to a host of wellness resources and family programs. "The program definitely helps me cope while my husband is deployed," say Yvonne, who is a member of the East Shore Branch of the Harrisburg Family YMCA. She visits the Y about four times a week and especially enjoys her Zumba® class. Yvonne values her
visits to the Y because they help her deal with the stress of motherhood and the anxiety about her husband.
YMCAs, with a long history of supporting America's soldiers, are honored to embrace military families and to thank them for their service, not just with YMCA memberships, but with special events designed to provide social and recreational time for families to connect with others who face similar challenges. Ys are proud to participate.
