YMCA OF GREATER TOLEDO1500 N. Superior St., 2nd FloorToledo, OH 43604Vol. V, October 2016ymcatoledo.org

DEVELOPINGFUTURELEADERSDonor NewsletterTEEN PROGRAMS

The experiences we provide teens helps them build the framework to overcome obstacles in life, giving them hope for a better future.

At the Y, we believe that all teens have great potential and deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve, regardless of their family’s financial status. We serve over 2,000 teens, cultivating the values and skills that lead to higher confidence and self-worth and provide them with role models that emulate positive behavior. The experiences we provide them helps build the framework to overcome obstacles in life, giving them hope for a better future. · The Youth Opportunities Program helps kids graduate from high school and prepare for secondary education or employment.

· Our Counselor In Training Program (CIT) at YMCA Storer Camps helps teens develop leadership skills to become mentors.

· Freshman Camp at our University YMCA connects first year students to campus and each other.

>>> PROVIDING A SAFE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

DEVELOPINGFUTURELEADERS Donor NewsletterTEEN PROGRAMS

We also provide a safe, nurturing environment at our branches where teens can hang out in our teen centers, play in our gyms, swim in our pools or practice healthy living habits. Your financial support of the Y provides these experiences for our teens. It allows us to provide financial assistance to those in need by keeping program fees affordable for all, and providing the best possible facilities for them to enjoy. Because of you, teens have hope for a better future.

Sincerely,

NEXT EDITION• Healthy Living

YMCA OF GREATER TOLEDODONOR NEWSLETTER1500 N. Superior St., 2nd FloorToledo, OH 43604

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President and CEO, Brad Toft

DID YOU KNOW?As a cause driven not-for-profit organization committed to strengthening the community, we regularly assess the relevance, direction and sustainability of our programs in response to community needs today and in the future. Strategic planning is a natural and necessary activity, enabling us to think and act more strategically in advancing the Y’s cause. Ensuring that the Y is guided by a strategic plan is the responsibility of the CEO and Board of Directors, and they develop a shared vision for the Y. Planning and implementing the strategic plan is the responsibility of the CEO, Board and staff.

DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS: YOP

YMCA STORER CAMPS COUNSELORS IN TRAINING (CIT)

ROBERTA WILLISThe Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) is a year-round initiative offering educational support, employment preparation and life-skills training to teens in the Greater Toledo Area. Roberta Willis joined our program her freshman year of high school.

“The YOP family has been a positive force in my life, helping me connect with good people who have taken an active interest in my future,” she explained.

Being involved with YOP helped Roberta achieve high academic marks her freshman year, making her eligible for the University of Toledo Excel Program. This scholarship incentive program is awarded to rising high school freshman with a B average from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Now a junior in high school, YOP continues to be an integral part of her education.

With the help of our program, Roberta developed her leadership skills through

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“From the second I stepped onto this grass 10 years ago, I knew this place was special,” says Nora Larkin, CIT program participant and YMCA Storer Camps camper. She recently completed the Counselor in Training Program, and plans to return next year as a counselor. The Counselor in Training Program (CIT) is a two week experience for older campers to develop their leadership skills and become mentors. CITs live side-by-side with counselors in youth camp villages, developing a variety of skills that will help them become strong youth leaders.

“I’ve had counselors who have completely changed my life and shaped my development as a person,” she said.

>>>FRESHMAN CAMP: UNIVERSITY YMCA

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>>>OUR IMPACT

ANNUAL CAMPAIGNYour gift helps us provide financial assistance to members so that all youth, families and individuals have access to programs and memberships.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGNYour donation supports our initiatives to expand, renovate and improve our facilities.

MATCHING GIFTSDoes your company have a matching gifts program? Make sure to ask your HR Department about for the opportunity to double your gift.

For questions about matching gifts, contact Glen King at 419.283.0591 or gking@ymcatoledo.org.

a summer employment opportunity at a food pantry. She enjoyed being involved with the community and gained valuable professional experience working within a budget and learning accounting procedures, both stand out skills for when she enters the competitive job market.

“YOP is like a family, giving you a great feeling, knowing that someone is always there for you, and providing you with the resources and tools that will help you succeed.”

Because YOP provides support for Roberta’s educational achievements, prepares her for employment success, and develops her potential as a citizen and leader, she looks forward to high school graduation and the opportunity to attend the University of Toledo and pursue a degree in nursing.

To learn more about YOP, contact Crystal Harris-Darnell at 419.729.8136 or charris@ymcatoledo.org.

“It’s my dream to do that for someone else.”

Nora credits a specific mentor from Storer who helped her realize her passion for working with youth. Since then, she has changed the trajectory of her career and life all because of one counselor.

Nora wants to provide future campers with the opportunity for the same life-changing experience. Through the CIT program, teens develop skills that will benefit them in school, at work and as they grow into strong young adults.

To learn more about the CIT program at YMCA Storer Camps, contact Becky

Spencer at 517.536.8607 orbspencer@ymcastorercamps.org.

YOUR GIFTS ARE HELPING TO DEVELOP FUTURE LEADERS

• 140 students participate in the Youth Opportunities Program.• 183 University of Toledo students attended Freshman Camp.• 23 students were invited to participate in the CIT program this summer at YMCA Storer Camps.

The third-longest University of Toledo campus tradition, UY Freshman Camp is a weekend orientation for first-year students to get acquainted with the campus, connect with fellow students, and have fun experiencing college life.

“Having the University Y here as a support system was really great,” said Andrea Lippucci, junior at The University of Toledo. Being from Cleveland, she knew that she wouldn’t always be able to go home to her parents if she was feeling homesick, and the students she met through Freshman Camp helped make her transition to college easier. Freshman Camp also helped Andrea meet many like-minded young people, who had similar interests and goals.

“I’ve met the most amazing people who love helping others,” she said. “I’ve become a better leader, and I got to experience campus in a way that I never would have without Freshman Camp.”

The University Y’s mission is to connect students to the campus while developing strong, cause-driven leaders. The University Y serves the students of UT with community involvement projects such as Alternative Spring Break, as well as

various opportunities for developmental growth.

For more information about Freshman Camp at the University YMCA, contact Jill Morris at 419.531.2612 or jmorris@ymcatoledo.org.