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Play Ball! Youth Arts and Recreation Committee |
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| The United Way of Union County has paid the way for more than 60 children to participate
in youth activities this summer. This week, the Youth Arts and Recreation Committee granted a total of $4,534
in funding to three programs that will enhance the quality of life for children who would otherwise be unable to
participate. $1,764 was granted to the Union County Summer Youth Program; $1,500 to the Village of Plain City Pool; and $1,270 to the Marysville Junior Baseball/Softball Association. The Union County Summer Youth Program provides structured summer activities for children financially unable to afford to participate in private programs. This recreation-based program has educational and vocational components such as painting, arts and crafts, swimming, and field trips. Youth referred here are involved with either the Department of Job and Family Services and/or Juvenile Court. United Way funding will help assist 20 individuals. For the third year in a row, the Youth Arts and Recreation Committee granted funding to the Village of Plain City Pool. United Way funding helps pay pool passes and swimming lessons for up to 15 children. It is also the third straight year the committee will fund the Marysville Junior Baseball/Softball Association. United Way funding will allow families who do not have the money for registration fees to sign up their children. About 26 kids will now be able to play ball. "These are organized activities and there are people there who are going to make sure that kids behave and participate in an appropriate way," said Mike Heifner, a United Way volunteer serving on the committee. "And that's what we're looking for, to open the door for these kids." Heifner was instrumental in establishing the Youth Arts and Recreation Grant Fund in 2001 to address the need to increase access to art and recreation opportunities for the youth in Union County. Since its inception, the committee has awarded nearly $45,000 to such programs. In addition to these three projects, the committee also granted $5,000 to the Marysville City Pool and $500 to the Fairbanks Elementary PTO. "I always felt that kids need to participate in those things," Heifner said. "That might be the thing that changes their life and gets them out of a rut financially or gives them something to focus on for the future." The United Way of Union County accepts grant applications year-round from youth recreation providers in the hope that its financial support will enable more youth to participate in the wide variety of opportunities available. For more information about the Youth Arts and Recreation Grant Fund or to request an application, please contact the United Way of Union County, at 937-644-8381. |