Danielle Keyes Receives Jean Bird Award
Danielle received the Jean Bird award on May 4, 2010 for her exceptional service under the age of 30, lasting contributions in the community and partnerships with local churches. "It was an absolute honor to receive the award along with Don Fothergill, Judge Andy Devine and other community leaders" said Danielle.
YMCA Chaplaincy Program: Here to serve YOU!
The YMCA of Greater Toledo has over 50 Chaplains who are available to serve the spiritual needs of YMCA staff and members. At the request of the member, a Chaplain gifted and certified in the area will:
- Provide pastoral care to individuals and/or families
- Meet with you for prayer
- Conduct or attend funeral
- Do hospital visits
- Lead Bible studies or Christian education classes at YMCAs
- Officiate weddings, indluding pre-marital discussions
- Lead devotions at YMCA events
- Provide a referral service for Churches and Christian counselors
*Should you or your family need a YMCA Chaplain please call your YMCA branch to get in touch with a YMCA Chaplain or visit our list of chaplains.
Chaplain Spotlight
Joseph Pharr
Joseph Pharr inquired about being a Chaplain at the Fort Meigs YMCA after serving as a Navy Chaplain for 4 years. Joe; stepped into his role as a Y Chaplain because he wanted "to show the love of Christ to a lost and hurting world with the same love God had shown him."
He shared an encouraging story with us about an opportunity he had to meet with another YMCA memberwho also had been in the Navy. They talked mostly about this gentleman's difficulties in his marriage. After conversation and prayer, Joseph directed this man to a free counseling to a free counseling service provided to Navy individuals. After Christmas last year, Joseph received a call from him stating that their marriage was doing much better and that he was very thankful for all of the help.
 Josh Plaisance
Josh Plaisance has served faithfully as a Chaplain at the Wolf Creek YMCA for the last three years. "Josh is like one of the staff. He has given so much of his time and heart to the members and staff of Wolf Creek," Bryan Bockert, Executive Director.
When asked about the YMCA Chaplaincy Program Josh responded, "Being a YMCA Chaplain allows me to live and minister outside of my office. I enjoy being able to hang out with the Wolf Creek staff and members and to get involved in their lives. The YMCA serves as a central meeting and ministry ground fro many local pastors and Chaplains to link arms together and serve their communities in real and relevant way."
Lauri White
Lauri White, has served as a Chaplain at the East YMCA for the last three years. Her faithful service led her to receive the 2009 Volunteer of the Year award. Caleb Cooper, East YMCA Executive Director shared with enthusiasm, "Lauri is Chaplain who every week puts our YMCA mission statement into action. She is part of our branch in more ways than just a Chaplain. I am currently trying to get permission to clone her!"
Lauri's work consists of hosting a weekly Bible Study, volunteering at events, as well as serving on the Scholarship Campaign. Lauri stated, "It is a blessing to serve the East Toledo/Oregon community and be given the opportunity to show the love of God each week!"
Clothing your Community
"When I needed clothes, you clothed me..." Matthew 25:36a
For the past two months the YMCA has partnered together with fourteen other local organizations, including WTOL-11, Cherry Street Mission Ministries, Lasalle Cleaners and the Andersons, to collect gently used clothing for people in our community. The power of collaboration was apparent as 90 tons of clothes were collected, sorted and distributed back in to the comunity!
YMCA & Big Brothers Big Sisters partner
Would you like to make a difference in this community for generations to come?
The YMCA Christian Emphasis Department is working together with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio to impact the lives of young people. There are more than 2,000 children in the YMCA Child Care centers everyday. We are going to match up kids ages 6-12 with Christian role models from the local church to accomplish both of our missions. Our goal is to make a significant difference in the lives of children - physically, mentally and spiritually. Beginning with the Summit YMCA in Downtown Toledo, we will identify kids who want to participate in this new enriching program.
How can your CHURCH get involved...
By identifying role models in your congregation that want to serve the Lord by impacting a child's life. This could be done by helping with homework, playing games, attending events but ultimately we want to help lay a Godly foundation in the lives of young people that are a part of our YMCA programs. Anyone interested should contact Danielle Keyes at 419-725-7886 or email dkeyes@ymcatoledo.org.
The local Church and the YMCA partner together to impact the community
On November 17th, the Active Older Adults from the Wolf Creek YMCA and members from the Dwelling Place Investors seniors group came together for a free Thanksgiving meal.
The event was held at the Dwelling Place in Holland and was attended by 80 people. Pastor Josh Plaisance prepared the food and shared a short devotion on being thankful. The Church also provided a few games, prizes and music by their worship leader.
Pastor Josh Plaisance stated, "Every year, Wolf Creek YMCA holds an event for their seniors and so do we, so why not partner together to serve more people in the area?"
LaVerne O'Neall, a Wolf Creek YMCA member who has gone to every Thanksgiving dinner for 20 years, stated "This dinner was scrumptious, absolutely wonderful...we loved the meal that Pastor made. Thanks for making it a success!"
Mission Accomplished! |
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