Strong Kids Have Star Power
Strong Kids Have Star Power
By Lynda Troy
Xenia Gazette News
February 11, 2009
Strong kids have star power is the theme of this years scholarship campaign at the Xenia YMCA. In 2008, the YMCA of Greater Dayton provided financial assistance for many community families. The requests increase, as does the need for funds to provide these services. Your donations to the Xenia YMCA will go to helping those in need in Xenia. The donations are divided between membership, aquatics, youth sports, child care and youth programs.
I spoke with Karen Earley, Executive Director of the Xenia YMCA. The YMCA helps people on a daily basis. Xenia programs also include: a strong kids section, a triathalon, day camp and a mentors matter program. The goal is to raise $38,000 as they annually give away $68,000 to $70,000 dollars.
I spoke with Mr. Kimani Hicks who with this wife have 6 children. He told me that during the past five years his family has used the YMCA on and off. During the past year they have become aware of the scholarship program offered to families unable to afford YMCA membership. His children range in age from 10 years old to 9 month old twins. Mr. Hicks says he takes the children once or twice a week to swimming instructor Miss Lisa who is very patient with the children. There is a family atmosphere among the staff.
The YMCA has a bulletin board where messages are placed. Hicks was looking at the board several years ago and saw a notice about Habitat for Humanity. He waited sometime and finally contacted them. Now his family has a new Habitat for Humanity Home, another reason he is grateful to the Y.
His children take part in the child care program which runs from 6am to 6pm for children from Kindergarten through 6th grade. Here the children get a snack, work on their homework ,sometimes swim and sometimes use the gym. There are 47 children in the program with 24-26 in the after school program. Ms. Megan Milkis is the Family Program Director who runs this program.
Mr. Patrick Henry is a 68 years young member of the Y. I go to the Y for the good members and the value of socialization that they afford me. As I live by myself, the YMCA is an everyday inspiration to me for getting out of the house. This is especially helpful in keeping away the summertime blues or the winter blahs.
On some days when I dont feel well and do not get to the YMCA, it makes me feel as if the day was unproductive. I also miss seeing my friends and staff people at the YMCA and the socialization with my many, many friends.
Im always speaking with friends and relatives and trying to convince them to join the Y. Currently, Ive almost convinced my brother, Dale, to put in for a membership, since he is retired and needs to exercise more.
When I think about the YMCA, the Christian aspect of it is the most important part of the organization. I can go there knowing I wont be exposed to bad/vulgar language or profanities.
I found out about the Helping Hands program from Amy, one of my nieces, and have been a member here since about 1998. In 1999, I had heart surgery and have always believed that working out before the surgery helped me to get through the surgery and my recovery. This testimonial to the Xenia YMCA by Patrick Henry shows how the YMCA can become an integral part of a persons life.
To donate to the Xenia YMCA Scholarship program which benefits citizens of all ages, send your contributions to the YMCA at 135 E. Church Street, Xenia, OH 45385 or call Karen Earley at 937-376-2042 for further information.