More Than a Waiting Room: Leidos QTC and the Armed Services YMCA Help Military Families Overcome Barriers to Care
For military families, attending a medical appointment isn't always as simple as finding time on the calendar. Between demanding schedules, family responsibilities and childcare needs, even routine appointments can present unexpected challenges. Through a growing partnership with the Armed Services YMCA, Leidos QTC Health Services is helping military families overcome one of those challenges by making childcare more accessible when it matters most. The partnership reflects the work of Leidos QTC's Customer Experience Social Impact & Strategic Initiatives, which builds relationships with military and Veteran-serving organizations to identify practical solutions that improve experiences for those they serve. By collaborating with organizations that understand the everyday challenges military families face, Leidos QTC is helping connect meaningful community resources with opportunities to make a difference.
At the Evans Army Community Hospital on Fort Carson in Colorado, the Armed Services YMCA's Children's Waiting Room (CWR) offers no-cost, drop-in childcare for up to two hours while junior enlisted service members and their families attend medical appointments. Serving families across all six military branches, the program provides a convenient resource within the Military Treatment Facility, allowing parents to focus on their appointments knowing their children are nearby in a safe, welcoming environment.
Since opening, the Fort Carson CWR has supported approximately 215 to 230 appointments each month. Beyond providing families with peace of mind, the program helps address childcare obstacles that might otherwise lead to missed or canceled medical appointments.
“The opening of the Children’s Waiting Room at Fort Carson, Colorado, marks an important step in supporting our active-duty service members and their families,” said Beth Lukas, Leidos QTC Vice President, Customer Experience. “Leidos QTC is proud to support readiness, remove barriers to care, and empower parents to prioritize their health and well-being—providing peace of mind that their children are safely cared for.”
The collaboration is also creating opportunities for military children to participate in honoring those who serve. Together, Leidos QTC and the Armed Services YMCA developed a "Thank You, Hero" coloring activity that encourages children visiting the waiting room to express appreciation for their Service Member or share their artwork with Veterans and Service Members attending medical disability examinations at a nearby Leidos QTC clinic. In recognition of Veterans Day 2026, the goal is to deliver 100 completed coloring sheets to the local clinic, offering a heartfelt reminder of the appreciation military families have for those who made the ultimate dedication to defend our nation.
Looking ahead, the partnership is preparing to reach more families. Through a $30,000 commitment from Leidos, a second CRW is targeted to open at Wilford Hall/Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in 2027. For Leidos QTC and the Armed Services YMCA, helping families access care means recognizing that sometimes, the smallest barriers require the most thoughtful solutions.
