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YMCA of Central Stark County

To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Through Your Eyes

"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." – Benjamin Franklin

As a Teen Leader, I am constantly amazed and experience a deeper connection with our community every time I volunteer. Each experience enables me to see the world a little differently. Looking at life through the lens of someone is thought provoking and has broadened my ability to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, even if only in my mind.

Recently, during one of our meetings we were asked to think of a situation within the last two weeks that someone angered, offended, hurt our feelings, or simply appeared very negative. We were challenged to revisit the situation with as little emotion as possible and attempt to look at the other person’s view point. Whether they agreed or not was not important; however, trying to understand the possible reasoning behind the other person’s behavior lead us all toward the path of compassion. Approaching any situation with compassion and understanding makes us all better leaders!

At the YMCA we provide the opportunity for our Teen Leaders to do community service. What is community service? And does it make a difference?
Community service allows our teens to serve in areas outside of their daily world and meet a need that is in the community. It offers remarkable perspectives on other people, cultures, and places, helping to define our "role" in this world. Our hope is that it will develop a heart for service and giving while providing the opportunity for our teens to think beyond themselves.

So, can one person really make an impact on the world? I would answer that with a resounding YES! This past year our teens have served in the FISH food pantry, helped at nursing homes, and even raked leaves at folks’ houses that were unable to do so. They all left with a changed outlook, that they could impact someone’s life positively. For one girl it changed her perspective on how she mindlessly will spend money on needless things, when the money could have been used for a family to buy baby formula. What an amazing experience to have at a young age -an awareness of the impact you can have on someone else’s life.

This year the Teen Leaders will be teaming up with Hammer and Nails to serve the Canton Community! On Saturday, May 2 we will help Stark County homeowners who need assistance maintaining their home. We will provide assistance with interior and exterior painting, drywall repairs, roof repairs, and any general home repairs that are needed. While we will be helping these homeowners with physical repairs, there is so much more!

Overall, when teens get involved in giving back to a cause or helping their community it has lasting benefits. The satisfaction and pride that comes from helping others can be life changing by defining their role as people helping people. This all puts the meaning into the statement, "It is through giving that we receive!”

Crissy Mudd
Teen & Family Director

Would you like to help make a difference? Please come and share your time and talents with us! Reserve the date! Call or email Crissy Mudd at cmudd@ymcastark.org or 330-877-8933. We will put you on the volunteer list and provide you with all of the details as the date approaches. Your partnership is valued and appreciated! Mark your calendars!