Natina has 4 children, one of which is classified as having special needs and attends a special purpose early childhood program. Her three older children have participated in the Hillview Enrichment Program, a FREE Drop-In Enrichment Program in collaboration with the local Lewiston Housing Authority and the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA.

Natina says, “I enrolled the kids so I could get a break and relax a little bit. It gives me the chance to have some free time to myself, clean the house, cook dinner, do laundry; all the things that are hard to do with 4 kids in the house. It gives them fun time too.”

Having the time to do the things she needs to do is so helpful. She says that the kids love the program. They have learned new skills, tried new things and have a place to go be with friends. Natina’s daughter, Claudia, came home learning how to crochet, making jewelry and they do other stuff such as science experiments and painting. Natina says, “ I have seen big improvements in behaviors too. They are better listeners and don’t argue as much when I ask them to do something. My daughter Luce is always asking “Mommy can I go to the Y? I want to go to the Y!””

Natina says the the snack program helps her financially and the kids have healthy food to eat that they like.