Social Responsibility

LOCALLY GROWN LEADERSHIP

A YOUNG GIRL FOUND FUN AND VOLUNTEERISM AT THE Y;
SHE ALSO FOUND A H.O.M.E. AND A CAREER
Friday, July 20, 2018

The Y is more than a fitness facility and summer camp. We are an open door to limitless possibilities for people from every background. Sharon Perez, a YMCA Youth & Family Services Community School Coordinator with the Linkages to Learning program, is proof of the possibilities. Sharon came to the Y as a teenager at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School through the H.O.M.E. (Hope and Opportunities in a Multicultural Environment) program. H.O.M.E. supports the youth in-and-out of the school by providing Student Service Learning and leadership development opportunities, after school recreation (soccer/basketball), and lunchtime civic engagement groups. (Full Story Sheet)

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By Carson Henry, ago

SHARING HOLIDAY CHEER

The air was electric one day late last December at the Northwest Park Community Center.Then came the countdown. When the OK was given, the wrapping paper flew.  Like lightning bringing down a shower of refreshing rain, the tearing of paper changed electric anticipation to sheer joy. Every child received a gift, perhaps their only one that Christmas.

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By Carson Henry, ago

OPENING ARMS AND HEARTS

Adama was 12 when her mother sent her from her home in West Africa to live with a relative in Maryland. Decades of civil war,  poverty and unemployment had driven desperate parents to seek a better life for their children in the U.S., even if they had to make the long journey alone, as Adama did. The family lifeline in Maryland turned out to be abusive, and Adama, with no where else to turn, was taken into foster care.

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By Carson Henry, ago

POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS

Two Bethesda Chevy Chase High School students, 10th grader Teaven, and 9th grader Tsegab, have been active participants in YMCA Youth & Family Services programs for many years. This year they had the unique opportunity to present a project idea to improve pedestrian safety to Ms. Nadji Kirby at the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.  Despite their nerves, the young men did a great job in a professional setting, answered all of Ms. Kirby’s questions, and addressed each of her concerns.  Ms. Kirby was impressed by the project, and the presentation made by Teaven and Tsegab. (more…)

By Carson Henry, ago

Fun & Safety Go Together at YFS

Volunteers and YMCA Youth & Family Services’ staff created a warm and welcoming environment at the Healthy Kids Day event inviting families to explore free healthy snacks, health information and fun activities. Montgomery County Dept. of Transportation’s Safe Kids activities focused on road safety, teaching kids and parents how to cross the street, bike safely and properly adjust car seats. (more…)

By Carson Henry, ago