For most of us, there was at least one adult outside our immediate family who helped us find our footing when we were young, ensuring that we didn’t make too many mistakes and learned some useful life lessons to carry forward and put to use as we made our way in this world. In some cases, we knew at the time that those adults who opened doors for us were making a big difference in our lives. More often, we don’t realize their importance until we’re much older and are able to look back and take stock of what they did to shape us in some critical way.
My sense is that the events of the past year have put a bigger strain on young people than almost any time in our country’s history. As hard as it's been on all of us adults, it has to be infinitely more stressful for a young person trying to understand the world and her or his place in it, particularly a young person who is struggling with poverty or other such challenges. The need for a caring, helpful adult to step up is perhaps greater than ever.
Each summer the Y in Central Maryland helps find and support paid internships of youth enrolled in our New Horizons II and Next Generation Scholars programs, both of which provide skill building, training and preparation for college or career for young people whose lives are disproportionately impacted by income disparities and all the many implications which can stem from that.
Here is what two students had to say about their intern experiences last summer and what it meant to them:
NaShey Cox, 16, New Era Academy, Sophomore
"Last year I had a fun job. I learned video production and if I wanted to have this as a career I have some skills of how to use a camera and the importance of lighting. I learned how to use iMovie and Video Star. I did not talk to a lot of people and I learned teamwork, cooperation and how to work in groups and pairs. The job paid well and allowed me to buy some clothes, give some money to my mother to help with the house and to help my little brother. I also opened a savings account. I learned the importance of sending professional texts, to use the right words and to use punctuation. That the customer is always right, how to cope in certain situations and when to ask a manager when I need help."
Ty'llah Neal, 18, Patterson High Schools, Senior
"What I enjoyed the most about working with the Y is that I not only earned money, but I also learned how to manage that money. I learned the difference between a credit and debit card and how to make a budget for myself. I recently got a job in housekeeping at the Northwest Rehab Center and what I learned at the Y helped me to know how to complete my application and how to interview for the job. Things like showing up on time, dressing appropriately and preparing for the interview. I have had many jobs in customer service and the program helped me to learn patience, to be accountable for my reactions at work and how to better communicate with my employer."
This summer, we need to place 180 youth in Baltimore City and County in internships. I’m hopeful that many of you reading today’s Monday Mission Update will consider hosting youth at your organizations, with either virtual or in-person paid internships. If you’re able to do so, please email Heather Naviasky at heathernaviasky@ymaryland.org.
If you need a little extra inspiration, ponder this!
Each spring we run our Send a Kid to Camp campaign, a signature Y event that raises funds to help send children and teens from across central Maryland to a Y camp for an outdoor experience, fun, learning, and friendship. This year, we kicked off the campaign with Y Days of Giving with the dual intent of starting our fundraising and motivating volunteers to help prepare our campsites for the summer onslaught.
I am delighted to report that while the Send a Kid to Camp campaign is only just beginning, an impressive $41,500 has already been raised and will be matched by a generous anonymous donor! At the same time, scores of volunteers descended upon our Y camps this past Saturday to clear leaves, weed, mulch and so much more to prepare for this summer’s young campers. Thank you!
To help give a child a safe, healthy, and "normal" summer this year please donate here.
Many Y leaders deserve thanks for paving the way for this generous show of support, both now and to come, including Charmayne Turner, Heather Naviasky, Eric Somerville, Lana Smith, Rick Surdel, Shannon Sterner, Matt Lewis, Keith Belzner, Jon Stone, Mike Monaghan, Dawn Chrystal-Wolfe, Brent Bauhaus, Jacques Wieciech, Shannon Kowal, Amy Cheatam-Gantz, Robyn Vance, Deborah Crites, Heather Dye among many, many others.
Thank you!
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland