COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: YMCA

Name: MIKE SCARPINO

Title: Associate Executive Director

North Canton YMCA (YMCA of Central Stark County)

Organization Details:

OUR CAUSE DEFINES US

We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

OUR STRENGTH IS IN COMMUNITY

The Y is a nonprofit like no other. That’s because in 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation, we have the presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver, positive change.

– The Y is community centered. For nearly 160 years, we’ve been listening and responding to our communities.

– The Y brings people together. We connect people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs.

– The Y nurtures potential. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

– The Y has local presence and global reach. We mobilize local communities to effect lasting, meaningful change.

OUR IMPACT IS FELT EVERY DAY

With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.

OUR PROMISE

That no one is turned away from the YMCA due to an inability to pay.

Involvement with Plain Local Schools:

We are so happy to be a Plain Partner! Our rich history of working side by side with Plain Local Schools includes hosting swim lessons, providing community wellness programming, and hosting summer day camp at GlenOak High School. PLSD and the North Canton YMCA are both about strengthening our communities, so the possibilities of our combined resources are endless!

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love that every day is different. Our building welcomes thousands of people inside each day and with that comes new challenges, new opportunities, and the ability to see the impact of our work in so many ways. I get to see friendships blossom, goals met and exceeded, families disconnecting from tech and reconnecting with each other, and people come together whose paths may have never crossed without our Y.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Plain Township community (either you personally or your organization)?

Plain Township is such an inclusive and responsive community. As needs arise, the community rallies together to address it. People genuinely care about the community and it is evident through the amazing people, excellent schools, and continued growth.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your organization or something most people don’t know? I think a lot of people think of the Y as just another workout facility. While the North Canton YMCA does have a wellness center with state-of-the-art equipment and over 30 group exercise classes included with membership each week, we are so much more than just a gym and swim. We have something for everyone – senior socials, art workshops, pickleball clinics, family events, an overnight summer resident camp, card clubs, prayer groups, specialized classes for those with Parkinson’s or MS, teen leaders, dance lessons, and gymnastics (to name a few) – everyone can find something for them to enjoy at our Y!

What is one thing your organization is proud of that has come out of the COVID pandemic?

The last two years have been a challenge for all communities. Despite mandated closures, we found ways to stay connected with our community and that is what I am most proud about. During the closure we offered virtual fitness classes, used our buildings as host sites for blood drives, called members to check in on their well being, and were granted a temporary pandemic license to provide child care for children of first responders and essential employees. We remained a strong presence in the community, and seeing people get back to a sense of normalcy and be able to refocus on their personal wellness has been refreshing.

If you could share one piece of advice to Plain Local students, what would it be?

Build healthy habits, get involved and connected with your community, and look for ways to make the world around you a little better today than it was yesterday. (And have fun while you are at it!)

Final thoughts or anything else you would like to share?

The North Canton Community Building YMCA is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. Whether you are a longstanding member or brand new, I invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone by participating in any of our community events or even just stopping by to take a tour of our facility.

Our theme for the 2022-2023 school year is “What’s Your Why?” Your “Why” is a statement of purpose that describes why you do the work you do and why you live the lifestyle you do. It is your calling. It is your conviction. It is your mission statement. It is a vision of your life’s work. All of this together makes up your personal “WHY.”

Stay tuned as we share through the 2022-2023 school year examples of “WHY” we do the work we do. In each issue of Eagle Nation magazine we will share WHY statements from our staff, students and community members!

“My WHY is the joy and fulfillment that comes with making music with others. Being able to form connections with others around me and create something meaningful and beautiful is the reason I do what I do.”

“To provide a safe space where students can feel valued, heard, and encouraged. I strive to be a role model for every student, and help them to become the best version of the student and person that they can be.”

“To bring a smile and positive vibes to the kiddos, our up and coming generation. We need more love, kindness, and reassurance that everything is going to be alright in our world, and what better way to set an example of this than starting early in an elementary school. My why is to feed bellies and fill hearts!”

“Several years ago, I used my passion for video to come to terms with the loss of my hero and brother, Sgt. Daniel James Patron (USMC), by creating a documentary. In my classroom, I strive to share this belief – creativity can help us overcome life’s challenges and give us something to aspire to be. I believe that all students who take video production have something to say and a desire to create. It is important to me that those words and stories are heard daily. In my classroom, we inspire one another to share, overcome, and create. GlenOak has given me the opportunity to teach and to learn daily. It is my newfound love and purpose.”

“My why is to Inspire, I hope I am planting some positive seeds as I work with students each day!”

“In this world, I firmly believe that there is not a single individual that can tell their story better than themselves. I love listening to the stories of students, the swimmers I coach, as well as the staff members I work alongside. No matter the background, there is an exceptional amount of love, creativity, and intelligence behind every story that is told. I hope to give them the tools necessary to keep expressing themselves, as they cultivate their unique stories and enjoy the incredible lives they have. This is something my mom did incredibly well as a former Plain Local teacher, and I hope to model it within my classroom.”

Thu Apr 27 | 6:30 pm Canton Palace Theatre presents