The Hinesville YMCA hosted its inaugural Back to School Party on Saturday, July 23rd.
There was a great turnout for the event, which included people not only from the YMCA, but also from other businesses ranging from laser tag, bounce houses, live music and horse rides to Diversity Health, the Boy Scouts, dental care, haircuts and more.
Other companies represented include T-Mobile, American Diabetes Association, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, US Army, Omni Financial, Amerigroup healthcare, Keep Liberty Beautiful, Premier Counseling Services, CareSource healthcare, Designs Unlimited Boutique, Pearlsz Pastriez, Think Big Youth Organization. , the Travis Manion Foundation, Georgia Southern University, Sweet Spice Restaurant, Bless 4 Less BBQ, Sacred Flame Candles and the Liberty County Fire and Police Departments.
The YMCA also gave out backpacks for families who may not be able to afford them.
Dawn Marie Gilliam, YMCA District Coordinator, spoke at the event and gave her reasons for having the party.
“Here at the Y we believe in full outreach to the community,” Gilliam said. “We have a lot of services and a lot of people who need services, and we’re trying to bridge that gap and bring them together.”
Gilliam also said he hoped the event would be equal parts fun and educational.
“We hope people here have a fun day, but also learn, get information and get some education and community bonding.”
Tracy Jefferson, president of the Think Big Youth Organization, was also in attendance. Think Big is a community-based youth mentoring program designed to enable young people to explore and discuss life experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.
Jefferson discussed his reasons for attending the event and his thoughts on getting kids back to school.
“It is always our expectation to touch the lives of parents and children in the community and spread positivity,” he said. “The first day is the best day and the last day will be their best day for school.”
Cynthia Sterling, director of child care at the YMCA, held an orientation for families interested in enrolling their children in various programs at the Y. Sterling facilitates before and after care programs at eight Liberty County schools and one of Long County. She is also involved in facilitating military dances and parents’ evenings, and her services help provide camps whenever there are holidays during the school year, as well as summer camp.
A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Sterling is very active with the YMCA. After completing her Peace Corps experience in the country of Samoa, her sister was stationed at Fort Stewart and was looking for her next opportunity, and she found it at the YMCA.
“This is my soul’s work,” he said. “That’s my true purpose here on God’s green earth: anything to do with children and community service.”
Sterling expressed his hope that not only does everyone have a great time, but that they take something away from the event and remember that the YMCA is a safe haven for those in need.
“We’re not just for kids, we’re not just for seniors, we’re not just for middle age, we’re for everybody,” Sterling said. “No matter your age, gender or religion, when you come to this event, you leave with a full heart.”
For more photos from this event, check out our GALLERY.
