Kids Like Brian* and Annie* Need Your Help Today!

We have some heartbreaking news to share with you.
Over 70 local children, many of them boys, are on a list waiting for us to match them with a trained adult mentor in YWCA Cortland’s Bridges for Kids program.
Brian*, a rambunctious eight-year-old being raised by a mother living with disabilities, loves video games and likes sports, especially football. But he loves swimming most, spending as much time as possible at the Wickwire Pool at Suggett Park in the summer. He shoulders a lot at home, helping take care of his younger siblings due to his mother’s condition. This responsibility contributes to behavioral issues in the classroom and a lack of motivation to do schoolwork. His teacher frequently pulls him out of class when he is disruptive. He does not have many peer friends, and his classmates tend to view him as an outsider.
Ten-year-old Annie* lives with her grandparents and loves the outdoors and going on hikes. A shy child, she relies on her few close friends for support, enjoys reading and writing letters, and loves doing arts and crafts projects. But everyday life can be difficult for her because of some mental health concerns, including depression and significant mood swings. At school, she struggles with grades and behavioral issues. Due to resource barriers, she can only see an online youth therapist once a week.
Our community’s youth need us now more than ever, and we could use your help.
Can we count on you for a donation to the Annual Giving Campaign today?