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.
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.
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…)
Summer brings fun learning opportunities at the Carroll Avenue/Quebec Terrace (CAQT) community center where minds don’t turn off just because school is out. Parents and children are learning new ways to transform their routines and create new healthy habits thanks to a YFS partnership with the University of Maryland Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program. (more…)
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…)
