September 6, 2010

Testimonials: Main Page

 

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On the left, listen to what parents are saying about Kiki Schaffer, Director of our Parenting, Family, and Early Childhood Center. On the right, hear parents say what they love most about our programs.

        

Below is a sampling of testimonials from husbands, dads, moms and grandparents on the positive impact the Parenting Center at the 14th Street Y has had in their lives.  

 

 

I had an extremely difficult pregnancy that ended in the loss of one twin and another who stayed 61 days in the NICU.  When she finally came home from the hospital I felt elated but also sad and lonely.  I rarely left home and felt isolated from the other new mothers in NYC.  A friend of mine forced me to go to the 14th Street Y.  The friends that I made during my very first Mommy Drop-In class are still my best friends to this day, three and a half years later.  Kiki and her drop-in class helped me tremendously, and I began to feel so happy and connected.  I cannot thank Kiki or the Y enough for getting me through such a difficult and yet wondrous period of my life.  [Commenting on New Moms Stroll In]

 

 

Attending the Mommy and Me classes was the best thing my wife could have done for herself, our son and our relationship. I noticed the difference in her right away. I'm glad the 14th Street Y gave her the outlet she needed to discuss her feelings.  -Jason Albright [Commenting on Mommy and Me class]  

 The Mommy and Me class saved my life! I was totally clueless about how to be a parent and was really overwhelmed, sad, scared and felt very much alone. Joining the weekly group gave me a place to honestly discuss my fears and frustrations and-I think-made me a better mom. Now, I look forward to the Tuesday group and can't wait to get more tips and advice and see my new friends. --Maxime Francis [Commenting on New Moms Stroll In]


You know, growing up in NYC, I was concerned that my grandson wouldn't have the room he needed to jump, crawl and explore. But seeing him laugh and play with other little ones in the Movement Class silenced those fears and was a real treat. -Patricia Reiher [Commenting on Baby Bouncers]  

My son and I love the Boogie with Brett class.  He responds to the songs and laughs whenever we sing his favorite ones.  The class has also provided me with a wonderful opportunity to meet some great moms.  I highly recommend this class to families with future rock stars, or for moms who just want to meet some great people.-Sara Weinstein [Commenting on Boogie with Brett]

 

I first ventured to the "Y" when my now 8-month-old son was two months old and I had finally pulled it all together enough to get somewhere on time(ish).  I went to the "New Moms Stroll-In" and immediately felt a sense of relief that there were other moms who seemed to be wandering through that new parenting world with a similar excitement, exhaustion, fear, happiness, and confusion that I was.  It was so reassuring to find that so many others were as challenged as I was by their infants' constantly changing sleep patterns...that so many others were struggling with decisions about whether or not to return to work after maternity leave... that so many others had forgotten how to have conversations about anything other than their newborns!  I had found a weekly place that fit what I needed during those early months of parenting.  Luckily, when I was ready to move on from the "New Moms Stroll-In", I found another great match for me and my son in Brett's wonderful Friday music group "Boogie with Brett".  The sense of support that I initially felt when I entered the "Y" has continued through my involvement with this group.  And Brett's music and energy have become highlights of my (and my son's) week.  -H. Mitchell [Commenting on New Moms Stroll In and Boogie with Brett]

 

 

 We have been involved with the 14th street Y since my son was 10 months old. We've done tons of classes from swimming to messy play, play day, rock a baby and toddler sports and he is now a thriving member of the 2X2 program. We have had the most wonderful experience throughout our 2 years with the 14th street Y. The teachers, school staff and front desk staff have been exceedingly kind, approachable and all around wonderful to deal with. The teachers have had such an incredible impact on our son and we are so happy to be a part of this organization. -Meredyth [Commenting on the 2x2 program]

Little Bookworms expanded on our son's love of books.  By focusing only on one book per class, the class delves into how much a single story can give.  The play time is great, the activities creative, the teacher amazing.  He now starts a book by asking about the author, the illustrator, the front of the book, back of the book etc. -Tracey Y [Commenting on Little Bookworms]

 Nathan is so fantastic with my daughter it is beyond words. She lights up like a firefly when I tell her we're going to class.  He's a natural with children and his weekly, musical choices get both the children and adults in the room singing and dancing along with him. -Kirstin [Commenting on Musical Notes with Nathan]