'They' Make a Difference
by Sandra Price, YMCA Employee Posted on 7/19/2010
THEY walk through the front door with a huge smile. THEY call us by our name. THEY ask us if there is anything THEY can do, like folding brochures. THEY have told us "when I get old enough I want to work at the YMCA". Now, you are wondering who ‘THEY' are?
Dylan was 11 years old when I met him at the YMCA. Each day he would come to the YMCA to workout and visit with staff. He would always ask if there was something he could do to help us out. It was fun to have him around and watch him grow into a young man. When he turned 15 years old he joined the Youth Leadership Program. Because of his work in Youth Training Center, Dylan has developed relationships with many of the youth he trained in the Center. When I asked him what his favorite thing about the YMCA is Dylan replied "It helped me develop my social skills so I can talk with anyone."
Shayanne started coming to the YMCA at a young age. She has been active with our Youth Programs, such as Halloween Fun night, Youth Basketball, Dodge ball and climbing wall activities. Shayanne also became a leader at our Triangle Y camp.
The Youth programs at the YMCA involve so many Minot area youth. I love to see the proud parents support their children during the league basketball games or the pride that a youth shows when he/she comes in to pick up their uniform for Youth Tackle football. The young individual already shines with pride knowing that he/she is participating in a program that will take hard work, dedication and teamwork.
Swimming lessons and Itty Bitty sports are two programs that start at age 3 years old. It is amazing to see these young children grow from being a shy child to finding a new best friend while in these programs. The children just make our days with their contagious laughter and excitement they show during these programs.
The Youth programs at the YMCA have impacted many more individuals and would take pages and pages to write about. I just wanted to share a little about what I have seen while I have had the privilege of working at the YMCA.
Thanks to the Souris Valley United Way we are able to have valuable programs at the YMCA that are geared towards developing our youth. The skills that the youth develop range of physical, emotional, and respect.
Thank you SVUW for your contribution to the Minot Family YMCA.
