Teresa Wendell
Executive Director/Youth Development Director of East End Community Services

How do you help?

"While working for the East End Community Services and Greater Dayton YMCA, I try to create an environment where young people are equal partners in the process of creating activities that they would like to be involved in. My goal is to help young people feel that they're valued, successful and self-sufficient in their community and build relationships with children in the community because I believe in taking the initiative and really working to make a difference."

Why is this job fulfilling?

"The kids have a lot of passion which they transfer, I get a lot of positive energy from them. By being involved with the youth of the community makes me feel as though I'm passing the torch to them. I see the youth of the community leading us into a bright future. That is why I see mentoring as such a necessity."

How can readers help?

"People should take a moment to remember how they were influenced when they were young, let those memories motivate them to mentor some young person. The East End Community Services and Greater Dayton YMCA would appreciate any financial contributions or game room and sports equipment that people would care to donate."

For more information, contact Wendell at (937) 259-1898.

– Compiled by Donedra Montgomery