Since the 1980s, Youth Challenge has had a relationship with Sherwin-Williams. Through this partnership, we are privileged to have Mark Dvoroznak on our Board of Trustees! In 2020, Mark retired from his position of Vice President, Enterprise Risk Management at Sherwin-Williams after more than 30 years. He’s been on the YC Board of Trustees for eight years.

At Sherwin-Williams and beyond, Mark has been a tireless champion of Youth Challenge. He’s never afraid of a challenge, from fundraising for YC’s Annual Fund to creating exciting auction packages for the Annual Benefit and Auction. Notably, Mark facilitated the introduction of Youth Challenge to the Sherwin-Williams Women’s Club, which plans the Where Will Color Take You? 5k Race & 1-Mile Walk & Roll. Thanks to Mark’s leadership, and the hard work from the Women’s Club, the race has raised more than $150,000 for Youth Challenge in the last two years!

Both Mark and his wife, Sue, grew up in families where they were raised to be simple, humble, and care for others. Their parents were involved in service-related projects and with their church communities. By serving Youth Challenge, the couple sees a way to honor their parents’ legacy while also passing on the importance of giving to their children and grandchildren.

Their support is making a difference for Youth Challenge today but also focused on the future. They established the Dvoroznak Family Charitable Fund in 2014 to ensure sustainability for the organization. “Being on the board, we are very aware that the funds are needed to support the Youth Challenge mission. Hopefully, our endowment will help so that the organization will be able to provide consistent and reliable services.”

Now retired, Mark and Sue enjoy spending lots of time with their three children and their families. He’s blessed to have his grandchildren local, and he’s already preparing them to be future YC volunteers! Mark is also a huge Cleveland Sports fan. While he enjoys all the teams, he and Sue love watching the Indians at Progressive Field most of all!

Talk about a whirlwind! YC’s 2021 Winter-Spring season has been a wild one. Participants, volunteers, and staff have gone through a variety of programs during this 2021 season already. In true YC fashion, we saw our participants and volunteers adapt to all these changes and make the best of them. This season, while dynamic, to say the least, has been full of highlights!

The season started completely virtual on Zoom after the holiday season. As much as we love Zoom for keeping us connected, in February, we decided that it was time to see people’s faces directly and not over a computer screen. It had been way too long (since mid-November) that we had seen participants and volunteers at YC, and the building had been too quiet. We kicked off the in-person program season with our individual sessions. Our individual sessions, as the name implies, focused on one participant’s interests. These sessions ranged from playing baseball with Bald Sean (we miss you already, Sean!) to theater with Megan. While it was an excellent opportunity to get to know everyone on a more personal level, when May came around, everyone was ready to be in a group again. May was spent enjoying some of YC’s favorite program themes, from Sports Around the World to Recess Games.

For Bre Sprenger, YELP and Board Intern, her highlights of the Winter-Spring Season centered around YELP (Youth Empowerment and Leadership Program). For most of the season, we met every Wednesday night on Zoom. Each week was dedicated to various topics, but they were mainly focused on building our resilience and tips and tricks for better mental health. Bre particularly enjoyed talking about Brene Brown. If you do not know who she is, look up her TedTalk on “The Power of Vulnerability,” it is amazing. She encourages people to live life authentically and vulnerably; things that can be hard to do but are so worth it in the end! The best part for Bre might be coming back to in-person programs. Feeling life return to normalcy in healthy and safe ways has been huge. Like many of the YC staffers, Bre is eagerly waiting for a summer full of fun and in-person connection!

 

Youth Challenge has partnered with Ver-A-Fast By The Hand Foundation to participate in “FastScratch for Charity,” a virtual scratch-off game that provides donors the opportunity to “win” additional funds for Youth Challenge! This offer will only last for one week, starting Sunday, December 8th and running through Saturday, December 14th.

Once you make a donation, you will have the opportunity to play the FastScratch game and win up to 200% of your donation amount for Youth Challenge! Uncover three matching squares to reveal your donation match percentage. Donate and play as often as you wish on a computer, tablet or smartphone! All donation matches, processing fees, and credit card fees are paid for by Ver-A-Fast By The Hand Foundation, which means each dollar donated goes directly to fund Youth Challenge’s mission.

We hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to help us raise the funds needed for Youth Challenge’s adapted sports and recreational programs.

Our goal is to raise during this $20,000 one week of giving!

Click here to make your donation today!

On Monday, November 18, we discovered that the catalytic converters had been stolen from five of our lift-equipped vans, leaving them undrivable. Without our vans, participants can’t get to YC programs. We had to cancel activities for most of the week, leaving many participants, volunteers, and staff members disappointed.

Our disappointment soon disappeared when a GoFundMe campaign raised over $7,000 in under 24 hours to help pay for the repairs. Other donations appeared in person, in the mail, and via our website.  We are using these gifts to establish a transportation and maintenance fund to support the repair of our vans, enhanced security, and vehicle maintenance. 

We are so thankful for the support that’s allowed us to get our vans and programs back up and running!  

See news coverage here:

Fox 8 News part 1 

Fox 8 News part 2

Cleveland 19 News

WKYC Studios

 

 

 

The KidsCents Regional Grant program is awarding Youth Challenge (YC) with $30,000. The grant will help fund the free adapted sports and recreational programs that YC provides for young people with physical disabilities.

“We are thankful to receive a KidCents Regional Grant,” said Chris Garr, CEO. “The Rite Aid Foundation’s support helps us to continue improving the lives of young people in Northeast Ohio.”

Youth Challenge modifies activities so that children ages 4-25 with such disabilities as spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy can fully participate. Golf, basketball, swimming, dance, ceramics, and many other programs are offered each year. Competitive team sports like soccer, powerlifting, boccia, and goalball are available as well. All activities and transportation are free for the families of children with disabilities.

YC uses a model for service that not only promotes healthy exercise through sports but also emphasizes the importance of peer interaction among young people of all abilities. At each activity, the children are paired one-on-one with teen volunteers. The partners work together to complete each game or project, with the teen volunteer helping to adapt the activity for their partner’s abilities.

The KidCents Regional Grant Program, which provides grants of $15,000-$30,000, funds specific out-of-school time programs focused on children’s nutrition, physical fitness, and academic success. The KidCents program also annually supports a select group of more than 400 nonprofit, kid-focused organizations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children living in the communities Rite Aid serves. They also support national organizations focused on critical children’s issues, including The Fred Rogers Company, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and Folds of Honor.

In this cycle of KidCents Regional Grants, The Rite Aid Foundation awarded 233 nonprofit grants totaling more than $5 million. Grants were available in select counties in the following states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

“The Rite Aid Foundation is committed to being a caring neighbor and making meaningful differences for the children and families who live in the communities we serve,” said Tracy Henderson, director of The Rite Aid Foundation and charitable giving initiatives. “The Regional Grant Program significantly expands the reach and impact of our KidCents program. It also enables our partner organizations to provide critical out-of-school time programs that are vital to keeping children and adolescents on track for future success.”

KidCents Regional Grants support nonprofit organizations with programs that serve children, grades K-12, and improve quality of life in Rite Aid communities. The grants support three of KidCents’ primary focus areas for improving the health and wellbeing of children: healthy eating, active living, and education. To be considered, programs and projects were required to take place during out-of-school-time with priority given to programs that support communities in need.  To learn more about the program, visit riteaid.com/grants.

The $30,000 KidCents Regional Grant from The Rite Aid Foundation will help YC to continue to offer its free programs and transportation to young people with physical disabilities.

It was an unusual half time during our football program recently when our friends from Orangetheory Fitness stopped by with a generous gift for YC.  Kurt Altenburger, co-owner with his wife, Stephanie, of five area studios, and Allison Westmeyer, Marketing Manager, presented Chris Garr with a check for $8,021!  The donation came from the first annual Orangetheory Charity Golf Outing in September.  We’re very thankful to Orangetheory for partnering with YC and we’re excited to work together in the future.  Thank you to everyone who helped make the golf outing a success!

 

 

Thank you to Community West Foundation for choosing Youth Challenge as the recipient of the inaugural David and Martha Hessler Illuminating Hope Award.  Mary Sue Tanis, Founder & Director of Planned Giving, accepted a gift of $10,000 and an award depicting a miniature replica of the Homeless Jesus sculpture.

William Oatey, Community West’s Chair of the Board and longtime supporter of YC, presented the award at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting on September 11. “In over 40 years, we’ve had many amazing partnerships,” said Tanis. “No one in our history has fueled our fire at Youth Challenge as Community West has.”

The mission of Community West Foundation is to advance the health and well-being of our community.  The Illuminating Hope award will allow YC to continue to provide free programs and transportation to hundreds of young people with physical disabilities in Northeast Ohio for years to come.

“As a catalyst for ‘Illuminating Hope,’ Community West understands and supports YC’s commitment to serving children with disabilities,” said Chris Garr, CEO. “They’re helping to shepherd a vibrant culture of volunteerism and promote an inclusive, active, and engaged community.”

Learn more about Community West Foundation here.

 

Youth Challenge is focusing our 2019 outreach efforts on building relationships with our youngest participants. Sessions of our “Krazy Kamp” program have been extended year-round to better reach this group. The program, which serves children with physical disabilities between the ages of four and eight, will be offered every month this year.

August programs wrapped up with The Summer’s End Shindig at Avon Pool on the 31st. Participants and Volunteers had a wonderful time playing at the park, partaking in bubble art, competing in “YC Hoola Hoop Heist” and splashing around at the pool! The youngsters will meet next at the Harvest Fest on September 28th at the Brookside Shelter in Cleveland.

Special thanks to The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County for funding the August session.

If you know a child or family who could benefit from YC’s programs and services, please encourage them to contact Mackenzie Vecchio, Program Manager, at [email protected] or call 440-892-1001.

Many thanks to the 104 golfers who supported the Youth Challenge 2019 Golf Outing on June 24 at Avon Oaks Country Club.  The event raised more than $25,000 that will directly help fund YC’s free, year-round adapted sports programs like basketball, swimming, Paralympic sports, and so much more.

Thank you to the following individuals and corporations for supporting the golf outing:

Presenting Sponsors

First Federal Lakewood

Scott & Julie Mawaka

Oatey Foundation

Corporate Sponsors

Automotive Specialty Services

WTWH Media, LLC

Lunch Sponsor

Jason and Mary Pence Family Charitable Fund

Bar Sponsors

Armada Rick Partners

BakerHostetler

Underwriting Sponsor

Don’s Lighthouse

Putting Contest Sponsor

GPI Design

Hole in One Contest Sponsor

Stalex Engineered Products

Hole Sponsors

All Pro Recruiting

The Bova Family

Brouse McDowell, LPA

Tom and Mary Carney

CHEMRES

Company Family Dental Associates

EY

Debbie and Steve Gratto Family

Game Plan Financial LLC

George and Joyce Haddad Family

Darren and Leslie Hilliard

Hylant

In Memory of Mike Del Pizzo

The Krueger Group

Dan Lease

The Nock and Son Company

Jason Pence – Charles Schwab, Inc.

Protiviti

Rainbow Babies & Children’s Orthopedics

RL Wurz

Rowland Connelly Joyce & Associates Inc. CPA’s

Saint Martin De Porres High School

Team Kasler

Teamsters Local 507

Thrive Westshore LLC

Total  Benefits Advisors

Trinity Specialties Compounding

UBS Financial – Larry Bricmont

UBS Wealth Management – Cox/Murman Group

Venture Plastics

Washington Mills

Thank you to the following prize donors:

First Federal Lakewood

The Pullar Family

George Soos

Don’s Lighthouse

The Nock and Son Co.

Special thanks to 2019 Golf Outing Chairs Tom McIntyre, Steve Nock, and John Petersen.

Youth Challenge is grateful to our donors and volunteers for making this event possible.

Click here to see photos of the golf outing.

Youth Challenge has been awarded a $30,000 KidCents Regional Grant to provide adapted sports and recreational programs for young people with physical disabilities.

“We are thrilled to have the support of The Rite Aid Foundation,” said Chris Garr, Youth Challenge’s Chief Executive Officer. “It will help us provide a great variety of activities that empower young people with disabilities to increase their overall health and well-being, build self-confidence, and have fun.”

This grant will help Youth Challenge provide hundreds of after-school and summer programs. These adapted activities are specially designed for individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, hearing and visual impairments, among other disabilities. At each program, participants are paired with teen volunteers who help them to adapt and complete each activity. The teen volunteers are specially trained by Youth Challenge to help their partner. Whether they need help with kicking a soccer ball, shooting a basket, or learning to dance, the participant and volunteer partners work together to make sure everyone is part of the activity.

The KidCents Regional Grant Program, which provides grants of $15,000-$30,000, significantly expands the reach of KidCents by funding specific out-of-school-time programs focused on children’s nutrition, physical fitness and academic success. The KidCents program also annually supports a select group of more than 400 nonprofit, kid-focused organizations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children living in the communities Rite Aid serves and national organizations focused on critical children’s issues, including The Fred Rogers Company, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Folds of Honor.

“We created the KidCents program to ensure that kids have a chance for better lives and brighter futures,” said Tracy Henderson, director of The Rite Aid Foundation and charitable giving initiatives. “With the introduction of the KidCents Regional Grant program, we are expanding our efforts even more while filling a need for valuable out-of-school-time programming. In addition, we are enabling our partner nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, ground-breaking programs that advance children’s health and wellbeing and promote academic growth.”

KidCents Regional Grants support nonprofit organizations with programs that serve children, from newborn to 18 years of age, and improve the quality of life in Rite Aid communities. The grants support three of KidCents’ primary focus areas for improving the health and wellbeing of children: healthy eating, active living and education. To be considered, programs and projects were required to take place during out-of-school-time. Priority was given to programs supporting communities in need.

The inaugural cycle of grants launched in May 2018 and was available in select counties in the following states: California, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington. Another cycle of KidCents Regional Grants will launch later this year. To learn more about the program visit riteaid.com/grants.

Youth Challenge provides adapted sports and recreational opportunities to young people with physical disabilities. Trained teen volunteers are paired one-on-one with participants to play sports, make friends and have fun. YC serves children throughout Northeast Ohio and has offices in Westlake and Shaker Heights. All programs and transportation are free for participant families.

Through KidCents, members of Rite Aid’s loyalty program, wellness+ rewards, can round up their in-store or online purchases to the nearest dollar and give their change to one of more than 400 nonprofit organizations focused on improving the health and wellbeing of children. For more information, visit www.kidcents.com.

Since its inception in 2001, The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than $50 million to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Rite Aid, through the efforts of its customers, supplier partners and associates, has also raised more than $87 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country since 1994.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with fiscal 2018 annual revenues of $21.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

The Youth Challenge (YC) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher J. Garr as CEO, effective February 4, 2019.  Garr replaces Founder and Executive Director, Mary Sue Tanis, who is transitioning into a new role as Director of Planned Giving. The announcement follows an 18-month search conducted by the Youth Challenge Board of Trustees and members of the Board of Advisors.

As YC’s long-time Director of Program Services, Garr brings years of experience in leadership, adapted sports, and inclusion for people with physical disabilities.  Garr believes that adapted sports and art, with a focus on fun and friendship, is a conduit for participants and volunteers alike, to become leaders, advocates, stewards, and innovators in the field of human dignity. Prior to his time at Youth Challenge, Garr taught high school Social Studies and English. He got his start at YC as a volunteer in middle school.

“I’ve held a deep passion for YC since first volunteering at the age of 12,” said Garr. “What started in 1976 with a handful of children and awareness of the need for inclusion in all forms of play, is now a reality—Youth Challenge is the recognized leader in Northeast Ohio for enriching the lives of young people of all abilities. I am proud to serve our families in this new capacity, alongside a staff of dedicated and caring professionals.”

For Tanis, who founded Youth Challenge in 1976, her commitment to community service is at the core of everything she has accomplished as a nonprofit leader for over 40 years.  She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the need for active sports and peer-to-peer socialization for the children and young adults with physical disabilities in the Cleveland area.   Her unique vision also saw the need for teen volunteers to get involved, one-on-one, with their physically disabled peers to learn and grow.

“I look forward to shifting from my role of 42 years as Executive Director to a new post, Director of Planned Giving, and serving YC in a whole new way,” said Tanis.  “With countless opportunities ahead for these amazing children and teens, I am extremely happy to be able to play a role in securing our mission going forward.”

Have you ever wondered how the North Pole celebrates the other holidays besides Christmas?  Well, Mrs. Clause is setting off firecrackers on the 4^th of July, the Grinch is handing out tricks and treats for Halloween, and some lucky lads are visiting Santa’s workshop on St. Paddy’s Day.  That was the premise for this year’s annual Holiday Show, a unique production written, directed, choreographed and produced by the YC gang.

For nine weeks this fall, the participants and volunteers in the Dance & Drama program worked tirelessly to create and rehearse the show. The live production was a hit when they performed it on Saturday, December 8 at the Magnificat High School Performing Arts Center.

The show also honored YC’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year, Chris Carney.  Chris has been a part of Team YC for over 20 years as a Trustee, President of the Board, and a dedicated supporter.

Mary Sue Tanis, YC’s Founder & Executive Director, was recognized for her vision and commitment to young people of all abilities for the past 42 years.  Mary Sue is transitioning into a new role, Director of Planned Giving, beginning in January.  Following a moving video tribute, participants, volunteers, staff and Trustees bombarded Mary Sue with flowers.

Thank you to Ed Gallagher and Sarah Clare from the Beck Center for their assistance, expertise, and direction of the Holiday Show.

YC’s Dance & Drama program is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and from a grant from the Cyrus Eaton Foundation.

See photos of the Holiday Show here.

In celebration of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media, Youth Challenge has received a $5,000 grant as part of the KidCents Thanks For Giving Holiday program. The grant will be used to give young people opportunities to be able to participate in adapted sports.

“We are proud to be a part of the KidCents Thanks For Giving Holiday program,” said, Chris Garr, Director of Program Services. “This #GivingTuesday, and every day, The Rite Aid Foundation’s support helps us to continue improving the lives of children in our community.”

The Rite Aid Foundation is awarding a total of $2.2 million through its KidCents Thanks For Giving Holiday program. This special program has been created to help the more than 440 KidCents charities across the country advance their efforts to improve the health, safety, and well-being of children.

“#GivingTuesday is a global celebration of giving, and on this day, we wanted to recognize our KidCents charities for all they do to make a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Tracy Henderson, director of The Rite Aid Foundation and charitable giving initiatives. “Through the KidCents Thanks For Giving Holiday program, we want to recognize and support organizations that are focused on giving all year round. We thank all our KidCents charity partners for helping to give kids better lives and brighter futures.”

Through KidCents, members of Rite Aid’s loyalty program, wellness+ rewards, can round up their in-store or online purchases to the nearest dollar and give their change to one of more than 440 nonprofit organizations focused on improving the health and well-being of children. For more information, visit www.kidcents.com.

Since its inception in 2001, The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than $36 million to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Rite Aid, through the efforts of its customers, supplier partners, and associates, has also raised more than $87 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country since 1994.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with fiscal 2018 annual revenues of $21.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

 

 

A different kind of film festival has come to Cleveland!  ReelAbilities Film Festival (RAFF) is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Cleveland will proudly host four film screenings and programs this fall.  All film screenings and programs are free and open to the public.

Youth Challenge will host “The Rebound: A Wheelchair Basketball Documentary” on October 18, 6:00—8:30 p.m. at 800 Sharon Dr., in Westlake.   “The Rebound” is an award-winning documentary following the underdog journey of the Miami Heat Wheels wheelchair basketball team in their quest for a national championship.

The public is invited to be part of an adapted basketball clinic before the film from 5:00–6:00 p.m. Following the film, Team USA and Team YC representatives Breanna Sprenger (swimming) and Nelya Schasfoort (track and field) will discuss their respective athletic journeys.

The film is subtitled, CART will be provided, service animals are welcome, parking is free and YC is wheelchair accessible. To request other accommodations contact [email protected].

“YC is extremely proud to sponsor “The Rebound” as a ReelAbilities partner,” said Chris Garr, Youth Challenge Director of Program Services. “Any time we can promote an active lifestyle and the benefits of inclusive and adaptive sport, we all win!”

Founded in New York in 2007, RAFF presents award-winning films by and about people with disabilities in multiple locations throughout each hosting city. Post-screening discussions and other engaging programs bring together the community to explore, discuss, embrace and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.  For more information, visit https://reelabilities.org/cleveland/.

Superhero capes were blowing the breeze last weekend when a mass of caped crusaders raced around the streets of Lakewood.

Over 200 runners, walkers and rollers (participants in wheelchairs and hand cycles) and volunteers helped raise funds for children with physical disabilities in the Youth Challenge Superhero Dash.  The 33rd Annual Race Day took place on Saturday, September 22, at Lakewood Park. The event was dedicated in memory of Dave Hardman, former President of the Youth Challenge Board of Trustees.

Runners along with Youth Challenge families and friends—many dressed as Superheroes—ran, walked, or rolled in the 5K and 1 Mile Walk/Roll.  Over $17,000 was raised to support the free programs Youth Challenge offers to hundreds of young people in Northeast Ohio.

Longtime supporters Linda and Doug Hardman were major sponsors of the Superhero Dash, along with new sponsor Invacare/Top End.  A group from Invacare brought products from their Top End Wheelchair brand for the YC kids to try out.  Invacare also provided Superhero capes and masks, a crew to diagnose and fix wheelchairs, and a photographer and backdrop to capture all of the fun.

Overall, Invacare/Top End donated about $10,000 worth of equipment at the event.  Jonathan Miller, Senior Director, Custom Manual & Seating, at Invacare Corporation presented a Top End XLT Handcycle to Alex Martinez, the winner in the handcycle division of the race. Then he surprised the crowd with a donation to Youth Challenge of three more handcycles (watch video here.)

“Race Day is a fun event for the community, our participants and volunteers and their families,” said Ken Kasler, Youth Challenge Chief of Operations & Program Oversight.  “We’re very thankful to all of our sponsors and supporters of the Superhero Dash.”

Volunteer groups from Gallagher Benefit Services, Cleveland Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and YP4YC (the Youth Challenge Young Professional group) and other community volunteers pitched in to help make Race Day #33 a great success.

Click here to see photos of the Superhero Dash.

Click here to see race results.

Links to other articles

https://www.cleveland.com/sunpostherald/index.ssf/2018/09/post_110.html

https://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2018/09/04/run-with-the-superheroes-at-lakewood-park

By: Margaret Biehl, YC Intern

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Ages Involved in YC: 12-20

Bridget first heard about Youth Challenge in 7th grade after her teacher invited Sarah Perez-Stable to speak to her class about YC which sounded like a fun opportunity to Bridget. She proceeded to sign up for her first program that fall as a volunteer choosing the Dance and Drama program which she enjoyed so much that she signed up for more programs during the spring season.

Bridget continued to volunteer at YC throughout high school and get more involved. She even interned with the Board of Trustees and served as President of the YC Volunteer Committee. Bridget also contributed her time and service assisting with YC benefits and fundraisers. She credits YC for some of her fondest memories and a passion for service.

Bridget found that her experience volunteering at YC taught her about leadship skills and how to be an advocate for others, qualities that she finds valuable in her career working as a nurse. Other lessons she says she learned through her experience at YC include, sometimes letting loose and having fun is alright, which she witnessed through participants, and that it’s always important to give 110% of yourself and what you believe in, which she learned from the YC staff.

Bridget has found that YC has shaped her into the nurse she is today by teaching her about adaptability and flexibility and lastly, what it truly means to serve others. She encourages others to get involved in YC in any way they can as any encounter you have with the organization will definitely have an impact on you, one which will remain with you the rest of your life.

By: Margaret Biehl, YC Intern

Hometown: Parma

Years involved in YC: Age 5-present

Sara Steimle first joined Youth Challenge as a participant at age 5 after her physical therapist at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital referred her to the organization. Since getting involved in YC, Sara says she finds YC to be a place where everyone is excited to be friends with everyone and embrace everyone’s differences and similarities. She credits her experience with YC for gaining the ability to connect with people who are similar and different from her in everyday life.

Another thing that Sara discovered about YC is that any activity can be adapted to fit everyone’s individual needs. When she first started coming to YC programs, Sara says she was a shy little girl that cried every time her parents left her, but eventually YC evolved into a second home.

YC became a place where she could come to during the school year and summer and be herself. Today, Sara says she is a much more extroverted type of person and has gained the confidence to pursue things she used to think she was incapable of. For example, she chose to attend a college three hours away from home and to live on campus, something which she says would not have been something she’d ever do or think was possible.

Sara belives it is imoportant to get involved in YC because “it is like a big family where you can come and form friendships that will last a lifetime. YC also is a place where you can do things you never thought you could and in the process of doing that, have fun!”

 

By: Margaret Biehl, YC intern

This past Thursday, June 21st, Youth Challenge participants, volunteers, and staff members gathered at YC for the YC prom dressed in their finest and craziest attire.

The YC building was decorated for a night Under the Y Sea.

The night included dinner consisting of chicken and pasta, dancing, karaoke, board games, a viewing of Shark week episodes, and a photobooth. Chris served as MC for the night and Gabby as DJ.Throughout the night all YC participants and volunteers had the opportunity to cast their vote for who would be crowned YC prom king and queen.  Participants Zaria and Blake won YC prom queen and king. Everyone had a blast.

During prom, I got a chance to chat with many YC partipants and volunteers about their experience with YC. Here is what some of them said:

YC participant Chris: “YC basically welcomed me with open arms…It has made me more confident in myself and provided me more independence than when I was younger.”

YC participant Alex B: “I can do stuff that I normally couldn’t do when I am at YC.”

YC participant Morgan B: “ I have gained more confidence fromm being involved in YC…I am really shy so being involved in YC has really made me feel like I can be myself.”

Looking forward to catching up with more YC people at other programs this summer!

By: Margaret Biehl, YC Intern

Hometown: Avon, Ohio

Years involved in YC: Ages 5-18

Gabby Bova first became involved with Youth Challenge as a participant at age 5 after her occupational therapist referred her. By getting involved with YC it has strengthened Gabby’s ability to connect with people similar to her and form friendships that entail teaching and learning from one another. In addition, Gabby has gained an aptitude for confidence, determination, and courage to compete with and against other athletes with disabilities. Gabby notes that since getting involved with YC, she has developed a stronger sense confidence and independence in external settings. For example, Gabby is now able to drive herself to programs and be able to assist the staff, volunteers, and current participants. When asked why to get involved with YC, Gabby responded, “because it’s a very unique, welcoming place. YC  recognizes participant’s abilities and challenges them to step out of their comfort zone.  YC offers a wide variety of activities from art, bowling, team sports, and the list goes on. There is truly something for everyone at YC.” Lastly, Gabby noted that YC has helped shape her into the person she is today by helping her become more outgoing and willing to try new things. YC has also helped Gabby to recognize she is capable of doing things like everyone else but in a different way. Today, Gabby actively trains and competes in track and field events and 5k races which she credits being able to do from her experience with YC.