Stories of the Lynn YMCA

STORIES OF THE LYNN YMCA

AMANDA MENA Amanda Mena was born in Salem, MA but spent her early years in her family’s native Dominican Republic. Amanda’s first language was Spanish when the family relocated back to Lynn shortly before she started kindergarten. She learned English at school, but was a shy eight- year-old when her family joined the Lynn YMCA. Amanda attended the Lynn Y Youth Center, where she made new friends and received academic help. Once the Lynn YMCA Music Studio Clubhouse opened, Amanda blossomed when given the opportunity to try new things and express herself in a safe environment. Her natural talent for singing emerged and flourished under the mentoring of the Lynn Y staff.

Amanda was known as a quiet child but her confidence grew as she was surrounded by the support of the Y family doing something she loved. She auditioned for “La Voz Kids”, a Spanish version for youth of the singing competition “The Voice” and one of the highest rated shows on the Telemundo network. Amanda made the cut out of thousands that auditioned for the show. She performed to a worldwide television audience, wowing judges and fans alike. Amanda was a crowd favorite and won the entire competition! She received a recording contract with Universal, $10,000 dollars and a $50,000.00 college scholarship.

Since her big win, Amanda continues her journey as a professional singer.

Now in 8th grade at St. Mary’s Lynn school, Amanda’s life has changed for the better, thanks to the support of the Lynn YMCA. The shy girl who was learning English as a second language is now poised, confident and articulate in both languages. She has a community of friends, a creative passion and the encouragement to pursue her dreams.

HOW THE Y HELPS KIDS LIKE AMANDA REALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL & REACH FOR THEIR DREAMS: The Lynn Y Music Studio Clubhouse is a professional quality music studio with a control room, ISO vocal booth and live room. But most importantly it is where kids can chase their dreams in a safe environment. It gives kids the chance to write their own songs, learn to play instruments, perform songs and record and produce music.

There is no other location like this in the city of Lynn for youth to explore their creativity and build confidence.

ROBINSON ARIAS Robinson Arias was 17 years old and looking for a summer job when he learned about a DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) lifeguard training program offered at no cost to members at the Lynn YMCA. Eager to learn new skills, Robinson signed up for the program. He completed his many hours of training, received his certification and landed his dream summer job working at Nahant Beach as a lifeguard. As Robinson patrolled the beach one day, he spotted a woman out in the distance with her head above water but not moving. Thankfully his YMCA training had prepared him for this, and he took immediate action to rescue the struggling swimmer. Robinson’s decisive and professional leadership saved the woman’s life that day. His job as a lifeguard gave Robinson the opportunity to provide a vital service to this waterfront community, but also allowed for him to earn money to save for college. Now studying engineering at UMass Lowell, the skills gained at the Lynn YMCA will stay with Robinson.

HOW THE Y HELPS KIDS LIKE ROBINSON EARN ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EMPLOYMENT: The Lifeguard Training program provides youth with a free opportunity to learn new skills and gain meaningful employment where they will give a lifesaving service to the community. Participants are trained and certified as lifeguards, which opens them up to jobs at the YMCA of Metro North as well as DCR sites.

If it wasn’t for the Lynn YMCA, Kalvin So would be in a gang.

Kalvin’s father was in jail, his mother was working all the time and he was hanging out with the wrong crowd. A love of basketball brought him to Y, where he learned about the Kaya program. Kalvin joined Kaya and his life changed. Surrounded by good friends in a safe environment and encouraged to make good choices, Kalvin’s behavior issues disappeared. His grades improved through the Y’s GPA study group and afterschool homework help. He became an active volunteer in his community and he is a leader in the Kaya program, now responsible for teaching traditional Cambodian dances to his peers. Now a thriving 14 year old at Breed Middle School, Kalvin is on a path to success thanks to the Lynn YMCA.

KALVIN SO

HOW THE Y HELPS KIDS LIKE KALVIN STAY PRODUCTIVE AND ENGAGED:

Kaya is a Khmer/Cambodian word meaning “body” and “character.” The mission of the Kaya program is to “SPARK the POWER of YOUTH to GENERATE POSITIVE CHANGE.” They strive to accomplish the mission through youth-led events, interactive workshops, film screenings, and creative expression; activities that focus on Healthy Living (fitness and health), Social Responsibility (volunteering and community events), and Youth Development (academic support, team building and social skills).

GPA Study Group is available for youth afterschool and in the evenings to foster good study habits and holds students accountable academically. Tutors provide the support needed to complete homework and school projects. It’s also an opportunity for students to improve academic skills that will help them thrive at school, including reading, writing, computer and communication skills.

JAHNNYIRIS JIMENEZ Jahnnyiris Jimenez works hard to provide for her nine year old son Manny. The Y’s Youth Drop in Center allows Jahnnyiris to be able to work the extended hours she needs to put food on the table. Manny has a learning disability and the Y staff help Manny with his homework afterschool while he still has the ability to focus. Because the Y makes sure that Manny’s needs are met afterschool, Jahnnyiris is able to prioritize being a mom to her son when she gets home from work. The Y has also helped them become a stronger family. They make a point to eat together and say what they are thankful for before each meal, something Manny has learned at the Y’s Healthy Kids Kitchen. It gives Jahnnyiris great comfort to know that Manny is in the care of people who love him and have his best interest at heart.

HOW THE Y HELPS FAMILIES LIKE JAHNNYIRIS AND MANNY: Youth Drop-in Center is available after school and provides kids with a safe place to spend their free time where homework help is available and mentors serve as positive role models. Extended hours allow parents to pick up extra shifts knowing that the Y family is there to take care of their children and engage them in productive activities.

Healthy Kids Kitchen provides an interactive environment for students to learn how to cook nutritious meals and instills healthy eating habits. The Kitchen also provides a much needed hot meal for kids who may not be getting that nourishment at home.

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES SERVICES In June, the YMCA visited the Department of Children and Families Services (DCF) for routine business. At that meeting, children were sitting in the hallways coloring or reading. Upon further conversation, it was learned that these children spend days in the DCF office while foster families are attempted to be secured. These children were unable to attend camps or other structured programs as funding has run dry.

The YMCA of Metro North offered to provide FREE services for all of these children at any of our YMCA camps or childcare program. Thus far, the YMCA has provided an equivalent of 14 weeks of free service to children ranging in age from eight months to 14 years.

In response to one child’s week at camp, the DCF Area Manager said, “It takes a village to meet the needs of the most vulnerable we serve. The opportunity to be at camp this week is reinforcement that he is valued and cared about.”

For four generations my family has lived and built a successful business in Lynn. The Lynn Y has been impacting the lives of youth and families for 145 years. As the city has changed, so must the Y. A new YMCA will transform the community and give our kids a place where they are safe, can learn, get nutritious meals and are provided opportunities to succeed.

Tom Demakes, Lynn Native President, OLD NEIGHBORHOOD FOODS

Lynn YMCA 20 Neptune Blvd.

Lynn, MA 01902 ymcametronorth.org/new-lynn-ymca 781-581-3105