Jacquie was shopping for a crib, playpen and diapers when other teens her age were buying college and university text books.
“I knew that I needed to finish my education for my son,” says Jacquie, 21, who is completing Grade 12 through the Halton Board of Education’s Teen Education and Motherhood (TEAM) program offered with partners including the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford.
Jacquie quit high school after Grade 11 and one month shy of her 19th birthday became a mom to Marcus, now a busy toddler. TEAM is a supportive program especially designed for young moms, whose children attend YMCA child care subsidized by Halton Region while they’re in class. Jacquie also works part-time at the YMCA. Her goals include attending college and earning an early childhood education diploma.
“The YMCA has made me more confident in myself,” says Jacquie, who is engaged to be married to Marcus’ dad. ”I never thought I’d be able to raise a two-year-old, work, and go to school all at the same time.”
The YMCA offers a wide variety of programming to help all kids and their families reach their full potential.
