Tag Archives: YMCA

Kentwood Parks and Rec holds adaptive waterskiing clinic at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, West Michigan, , ,
Xia Dargo participates in the Kentwood Parks and Rec Waterskiing clinic last Friday at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville. (WKTV)

By D.A. Reed

WKTV Contributing Writer

Kentwood Parks and Recreation intern Aubrey Buckingham has experienced the benefits of the adaptive recreation program firsthand.

“I’ve been a part of facilitating relationships, encouraging participants, lending a hand, and a little bit of everything,” said Buckingham, an incoming senior at GVSU studying recreational therapy. “My favorite part of this summer is the relationships I’ve formed with the participants. There has just been a level of trust, and it’s really fun to see the participants flourish and try new things.

“It’s really special.”

Kentwood Parks and Rec intern Aubrey Buckingham shows Xia Dargo the adaptive waterski chair before they go on the water. (WKTV)

Exposed to working with individuals with disabilities later in her high school years steered Buckingham toward recreational therapy.

“From that point on, I knew that this was just the population that I wanted to work with.”


Kentwood Parks and Rec hosted an adaptive waterskiing and tubing clinic for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities and their families last Friday at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville.

Providing empowering and enriching opportunities for people of all abilities is part of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s main directive — and they are accomplishing that goal through their adaptive recreation program.

“It’s hard as an adaptive family, or a family with special needs, to sometimes find resources that are out there,” said Christy Dargo, mother of an adaptive participant. 

And that is where Kentwood’s Adaptive Program comes in. Kentwood developed its adaptive program 22 years prior, adding clinics open to siblings and other family members within the last five years.

“It’s nice because we all get to be part of it,” Dargo said. “Sometimes it’s hard to find something that everyone can be a part of. You’re a family. And when you have a child with special needs, you have to find that balance between adaptive lifestyle and incorporating things that are not adaptive.

“The clinics melded both the adaptive and nonadaptive and it’s something that they can do together. I think that’s really special.”

Four clinics per year

Parks and Rec partners with other organizations to offer four clinics a year. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan are two organizations that have stepped in to help bring these experiences and learning opportunities to those with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Waterskiing is a particularly popular clinic. Lessons are available on Thursdays over the course of six weeks. Unlike the clinics, which can have approximately 20 participants, the waterskiing lessons are limited to five participants due to the fact they get more time on the water.

Skill development

Kentwood Recreation Program Coordinator Ann Przybysz (lower left) helps with the adaptive waterskiing program at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin.

“We can work on developing the skills,” said Ann Przybysz, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. “Getting better balance, more duration, more strength with their upper body.”

Christy Dargo admits that having the adaptive equipment, extra hands and trained staff helps make the experience “less intense of an adventure to go out and do something. Sometimes it feels almost too overwhelming to do it on our own.”

All about family

The Dargo family consists of four children, Zach, Abigail, Natalie and Xia, who was adopted from China in 2013 and the adaptive participant in the waterskiing clinic — though the rest of the family enjoyed trying out the sport as well.

“It’s so good for the kids, and so good for sibling relationships,” Dargo said. “And it may seem like a little thing, but it’s not. To give kids an opportunity, one, to do something they’ve never done — because of their ability level and making something adaptive — and two, to be able to share it with the rest of their family, for us, this is not a little thing.

“This is a big deal.”

Increased awareness in the community regarding the adaptive program is something staff, interns and parents all agree is needed and are working hard to implement.

Dargo said just the idea of exposure, and that this is even available, is huge.

“It’s a great thing; it’s a blessing for them to be able to do this together,” Dargo explained. “I don’t know if Xia would necessarily do it on his own.”

Seeing his siblings participate, Dargo said, takes away some of that nervousness for Xia.

“More people and families are better,” Xia said.

D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed

Retiring Huntington president jumps into volunteering, hopes others will follow

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

John Irwin helps a student at the Y’s Safety Around Water program. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Upon retiring as the West Michigan region president for Huntington Bank, John Irwin traded in his business suit for a different kind of suit, swimming trunks. His boardroom is now a swimming pool and instead of talking about financial security, he is now discussing water safety.

“I knew with retirement that I wanted to give back to my community,” said Irwin, who is a triathlete having completed more than 80 events in the past 20-plus years. “I knew I wanted to do something more on a one-to-one basis versus being on a board.”

Being a member at the David D. Hunting YMCA in downtown Grand Rapids, Irwin was aware of the many programs being offered at the Y, such as the water safety program.

“I basically sent an email and said ‘I don’t want to run the program. I don’t want to get paid.’ I just wanted to volunteer,” Irwin said. “I think Becky was like ‘You’re my type of person.’ That is how easy it was.”

Becky Haveman, the YMCA association aquatics and safety director, gives out a little laugh.

“John sent me an email with his story and I said we should talk,” Haveman said, adding that the Y has had volunteers in the past help with the water safety instruction. “It is not unusual for us to have 14- and 15-year-olds looking to eventually teach.”

Irwin went through training with the Y staff, watched classes and in September was set up with his own class of about a dozen six-year-olds who have never been near the water.

John Irwin. a retiring Huntington Bank executive, with his first Safety Around Water class. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Jumping in

“You see them now and you think I am their best friend,” Irwin said after just completing a short class demonstration. “It didn’t start off that way. Many of them would not even get in the water, much less near it.”

In Michigan, on average, a person is only about six miles away from natural water, Haveman said. Because of that, the YMCA offers a number of water safety and swimming classes. In fact, these classes are one of the most popular programs at the Y, with the organization teaching more than a million such classes nationwide.

“The water safety class is designed to teach the students that if they fall in the water or see someone fall in, they know what to do,” Haveman said.

There is the “jump, turn, grab” technique where students are guided on learning how to turn and grab onto the side or something if they fall into the water, Haveman said. There is also the “swim, float, swim” technique that if a student is swimming and gets tired, they roll over on their back and float for a while to rest and then resume swimming, she said.

After demonstrating a technique, Irwin asked “OK, who’s going into the water?” A few hands shot up right away and Irwin takes each child, one at a time, until he gets to a little red-headed boy who with a pouty face, shakes his head no.

“You don’t want to do it today?” Irwin asks with a smile. The boy again shakes his head no. “That’s OK. I know. You don’t like to jump in the water.”

Volunteering for the swimming program seemed like a natural fit for Irwin because of his triathlon experience. Irwin also got his level one swim coach certification.

John Irwin with the Y’s aquatics and safety director, Becky Haveman (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I am hoping that now I am retired, they plan on using me a little more,” Irwin said. Havman gives a quick head shake yes.

Irwin also is sharing his story in hopes of encouraging others to follow in his path.

“When people look at the Y, they see the buildings but they don’t think about all the great programs that they offer that are inside the buildings,” Irwin said. “I would encourage people to reach out to the Y, or any organization they want, and take what they love and see how they can use that talent to give back.”

Who knows, you might end up trading your suit for a pair of gloves and a garden or maybe some shorts and a gym, or, perhaps like Irwin,  a pair of swim trunks and a pool.

Like to join the fun? The Y will be hosting training classes for would-be lifeguards. The four-day trainings are Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30. Lifeguards must be at least 16, and while most are high school and college students, the ranks are made up of professionals, retirees, and stay-at-home moms. For more information, visit grymca.org/events/lifeguard-training-class. For the Safety Around Water program, visit grymca.org/news/water-safety-y.

Wyoming, Kentwood nonprofits among first to receive county violence prevention grants

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, , ,
The Spartan Nash Branch of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, in Wyoming. (YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kent County announced this week the first round of grants to non-profits as part of the new Community Violence Prevention Grant Program, with seven nonprofits awarded grants ranging from $15,000 to $150,000.

Two groups, Bethany Christian Services and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, have local operations in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.

The Kent County Board of Commissioners previously allocated $500,000 of CARES Act funding to the Community Violence Prevention program “to help stem the increasing rate of violence occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a Nov. 18 statement from Kent County.

The grants support local 501(c)(3) organizations “that work to prevent violent behaviors from occurring, stop the progression of violence and rehabilitate individuals with established violent behavior,” according to the statement.

“Keeping our residents and communities safe is a top priority for the Kent County Board of Commissioners,” Commission chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “We are proud to make these resources available to community organizations who are working tirelessly to develop innovative solutions that make our neighborhoods safer.”

As listed in the grant application, some of the strategies possibly used by the groups receiving grants include:

Reducing the availability and misuse of alcohol, marijuana, and other substances;

Reducing access to lethal weapons like guns and knives;

Changing cultural norms that support violence;

Rehabilitating individuals with a history of violent behavior;

Providing mentors, counselors, or other similar support for youth;

Providing alternative activities during the day and at night for youth that keep them engaged and involved, thus combatting idleness and lack of direction;

And, education and support of anti-gang measures.

Local group initial plans

Bethany Christian Services of Michigan has locations in both Wyoming and Kentwood, and, according to their application, will use the grant for a wide range of initiatives, including its “Silence the Violence Project”, which “using virtual reality, local youth partner with software developers to create simulated experiences designed to show youth ages 10-17 how to combat violence in their lives and communities.”

Bethany Christian Services’ project is an existing initiative of NAACP, it is estimated that 125-150 youth will engage in these simulations, and while the grant funds will be used this year, the program will continue throughout 2020 and 2021.
 

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’s Spartan Nash YMCA is located in Wyoming. According to its grant application, it will use the grant to engage in teen violence prevention by “providing alternative choices and activities” during out-of-school time.

“The goal for our programs is to keep teens engaged and involved in community, thus combatting lack of direction or idleness. The Y has staff who are trained in trauma-informed care who can confidently facilitate conversations about gun violence issues as well as strong partnerships with mental health providers like Arbor Circle and Mental Health Foundation to provide group-based mental health support. This work is becoming increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Local United Way partners with county on grants 

Kent County contracted with Heart of West Michigan United Way — which already has extensive relationships with local non-profits — to review funding applications and administer the grants.

Other non-profits to receive grants as part of the first round of awards include the Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, Inc.; Edge Urban Fellowship; Grand Rapids Urban League; New City Kids, Inc.; and Muse Ed (Mus(ed)).

“The agencies receiving funds have established track records in transforming our community,” Michelle Van Dyke, president & CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way, said in supplies material. “They serve as leaders in preventing violence, facilitators of diversion efforts and mentors for local youth. Together, we will educate and support Kent County residents to ensure the place we call home becomes safer and stronger than ever before.”

For more information on the grants and application process, visit hwmuw.org.

Kids’ Food Basket joins Wyoming partners to provide food assistance

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Semia Hatambo carries trail mix

By Ashley Abbott Bodien
Kids’ Food Basket

Kids’ Food Basket announced a collaborative partnership with several groups, including two in Wyoming, to provide emergency food assistance to families impacted from the extreme weather.

Wyoming High School and the Godfrey Lee Early Childhood Center, as well as Kids’ Food Basket, were distribution sites on Thursday, Jan. 313, and Friday, Feb. 1. Supplemental food and fresh produce will be distributed for families to take home to provide food assistance to any family in need of additional nutrition. Food items include bananas, pears, apples, carrot packs, pudding and fruit cups, meat sticks, cereal bags, etc.

In addition, The David D. Hunting YMCA will be a providing a full meal to Grand Rapids Public School students and families through their Food Service Program. The downtown locations are on The Rapid bus route so families can access the facility in a safe manner.

“For the kids and families, Kids’ Food Basket serves, snow days prevent access to meals families often count on. The United Way’s 211 line reported, they simply do not have food resources to share with people calling for assistance. We believe in breaking down barriers and increasing access to good nourishing food. In an emergency like this, we want to do everything we possibly can to make sure our community has the nourishment they need,” said Bridget Clark Whitney, Founding CEO of Kids’ Food Basket.

Sheila Gurd moves the Kids’ Food Basket sack suppers after delivery

The organization, best known for its flagship Sack Supper Program, provides a free, well-balanced nutritious evening meal distributed within classrooms at the end of each school day. Kids’ Food Basket serves over 8,000 children who attend schools where 70% or more of the student population receive free or reduced-cost lunch in Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Holland.

“During severe weather events like this one, we all have to pull together to meet the critical needs of our community. We’re glad Kids’ Food Basket reached out and are happy to support their efforts,” said The Rapids CEO Andrew Johnson.

“We are so grateful for these community partners, who understand the tremendous need for families during these extreme conditions. By working together, we are finding ways to break beyond weather and location barriers to get to families in need of food assistance,” Whitney said.

The organization is currently working to identify collaborative partners for safe distribution in Muskegon and Holland and encourages community members to call 211 to learn more about community-based organizations and government agencies providing services to families and individuals in need. For more information, please visit kidsfoodbasket.org.

Location information:

  • The David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 

Families visiting the downtown YMCA location can enter through the main entrance and follow the signage to the community room to receive your meal.

  • The Rapid Central Station, 250 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Seymour Christian Reformed Church, 840 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
  • Kids’ Food Basket, 2055 Oak Industrial Drive, Suite C, Grand Rapids, MI 49505


Kids’ Food Basket is nourishing children to reach their full potential. Through the Sack Supper program, Kids’ Food Basket serves over 8,000 students at 48 schools in Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Holland. More than 250 volunteers each day help prepare, pack and deliver Sack Suppers, a well-rounded evening meal that provides nutrition critical to the development of the brain and body. To learn more, or see how you can make a difference, please visit www.kidsfoodbasket.org.