Foster parent Richard Plotkin holds his daughter, June, at the New Tampa Y’s Stay and Play.
Many children and families need a second chance. The Tampa Y is here for them. When a child or teen is removed from their parents or guardians, they are placed in foster care if there are no relatives able to care for them. The Y partners with many foster agencies across Tampa Bay to offer significantly reduced family membership and youth program rates so foster families can enjoy all the Y has to offer.
Richard Plotkin benefits greatly from a foster family membership at the New Tampa Family YMCA with his daughter, June. “I’m probably here four or five times a week taking advantage of the gym. I love the fact that I can take my daughter and put her in the Stay and Play program and she gets to have a great time with the staff here,” shares Richard. “It helps create that level of normalcy that is big in the foster care system. We want to make sure these kids have the exact same experience they would have with their normal families. It’s absolutely fantastic and they take such good care of her.”
The Tampa Y is honored to play a role in enhancing the well-being of foster care children and families in need. For more information, guidelines and program opportunities, please check with your local Y’s Welcome Center.