Monika and her family have been part of the Y community since 2019. What began with her son participating in child care, preschool sports, and enrichment programs soon grew into something even more meaningful for their family.

In 2021, Monika enrolled her son in swim lessons while she worked out at the Wellness Center. At the time, she wanted to make sure her son learned how to swim – neither Monika nor her husband knew how.

But, a frightening experience tubing on the Delaware River changed everything. Monika and her son unexpectedly fell into the water. In that moment, she recalls feeling unsure of what to do to keep herself and her son safe. Thankfully, they were able to make it back to safety, but the experience stayed with her.

That moment became a turning point.

Determined to build confidence and water safety skills for their family, Monika’s husband enrolled in swim lessons first, followed by Monika. They also ensured their son continued learning. Taking lessons alongside her son created a shared experience—one that brought water safety into everyday conversations at home and gave Monika the confidence to guide and support him in and around the water.

When it was Monika’s turn to take swim lessons, she admits feeling intimidated at first. She had never been in a pool before and was hesitant to begin. With the support of her instructor, Eugenia, she was able to learn at her own pace. “Eugenia was the best thing that happened,” Monika shares. “She made sure I felt comfortable every step of the way.”

Over time, the pool became more than a place to learn a life-saving skill—it became a place of healing.

After the loss of her husband this past year, Monika found strength in the Y community. She felt supported and cared for during this very difficult time for her family. For Monika, swim lessons became part of her mental health journey—a space where she felt supported, safe, and connected.

“The Y became a second home for us,” she says. “What I received was strength when I needed it most. It’s the part you don’t always see—the support and caring that comes with being part of this Y.”

Why This Story Matters

During Water Safety Month, stories like Monika’s remind us that learning to swim is more than a skill—it’s a critical step toward safety, confidence, and peace of mind for individuals and families.

At the Y, we believe everyone deserves access to these life-saving skills. Through financial assistance, we work to remove barriers so that every person—regardless of their circumstances—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and stay safe in and around the water.

When you support our Water Safety Month efforts, you help ensure more families can access swim lessons, build confidence, and create safer futures—just like Monika and her family.