Hello All! I am reaching out with a special request. Day in and day out I work with the youth of our surrounding Youngstown area. For many children, the YMCA is a safe space for them in which they can learn, play, and be themselves in an environment that enriches the mind, body, and soul. Please consider donating anything that you may be able to. All proceeds go towards supporting a child to participate in the Jr. 12 Rounds event hosted the day before the 12 Rounds Competition. Now more than ever, children need to be encouraged to stay active in a healthy environment.
My past pandemic year has been a series of ups and downs, but the most consistent thing in my life has been connecting with the children that regularly come to the Scholastic Support Program at the YMCA of Youngstown. This program was created with working parents in mind who needed childcare provided while school districts like Horizon Science Academy, Valley Christian. and Youngstown City School District operated under a virtual school year in accordance with COVID-19 mandates. With the last day of school scheduled for Friday, May 28, I fondly look back on my time with predominantly Youngstown City School children and supporting them through their virtual school year. Any can imagine that virtual school was a nightmare this past year, but what many don't realize is the moments of joy I appreciated the most were just simply playing and enjoying all the amenities the historic YMCA of downtown Youngstown had to offer with my Scholastic Support students. Children in grades as young as kindergarten to as old as eighth were welcomed into a socially distanced outfitted environment from as early as 7:30 AM to as late as 6 PM to receive assistance with virtual learning and support. While the building is not nearly as spiffy and shiny as a more modern YMCA, there is no replacing good old fashioned fun. Countless hours have been spent not only studying, but learning to swim, jumping rope, shooting hoops, making friends, and exploring all the educational opportunities downtown Youngstown has to offer from the Butler to Oh Wow! For most students, this exposure was the first and hopefully lasting impression that sparks the love of movement, education, and achievement. I cannot stress enough how important it is to me that people like you who consider this fundraiser mean to me because I'm constantly fighting for these kids every day. I will cherish every bleary eyed morning spent this school year and hope that this past year lives on in the memories of the 30 students I served this school year.
We strive to promote friendship, achievement, and belonging at the YMCA of Youngstown and your donation could change the life of a child! This pandemic has proved that we are all fighting for something. We are the YMCA of YOUNGSTOWN and we FIGHT for you! Why do you fight?