Trevion’s stories arrived weeks before him. We were told he was a child with needs. He was unable to control his emotions and action. This problem became apparent when he began to attend our program. The bad behavior seemed constant and undying. Tre was soon suspended and suspension from the program became a trend. Through this however, I could see Tre was growing. Unfortunately Tre was once again suspended, this time it was indefinite. Unless he could prove his behavior was no longer a threat to others he would not be coming back to the youth academy. Three months later Trevion returned. Tre had begun to turn his unlimited energy into a positive attribute of his character. He found a knack in helping younger children and soon became a positive role model for them. He was able to use his talents to teach others. Trevion was not suspended another time and he became one of our most positive students. Trevion’s turn is a true success story.

Submitted by Philip Voigt

Gumma came to Elliott CLC as a lower level ELL student. This posed problems in the fact that he was in the fourth grade and had good verbal communication, but was doing academic lessons and activities that children in lower grades were doing. Even though Gumma had good verbal communication skills, he had a hard time making friends because he felt he had to “prove himself” through bullying. Gumma was getting into fights and confrontations during the YMCA programs on a regular basis, and was suspended for a few days because of his actions. Gradually though, Gumma came to understand the ways and workings of the YMCA programs, and learned to recognize the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior. The number of fights he was involved in decreased, and the number of Think Times he had decreased as well. The greatest part of Gumma’s story though is the fact that through working with the YMCA staff and participants, he has not only learned to get along with and work with others, but he has also come to realize his own self-worth and has made friends with kids in various grades. Gumma has not been transformed into the “perfect child” but he has learned to take responsibility for his actions, knows when he has made a bad decision behavior wise, and strives to make better choices.

Submitted by Lindsay Hoefer

Having the YMCA serve as many Elliott students as it does is a success story in and of itself! For example the Summer Adventure Camp at Elliott provides a safe and structured day camp experience for approximately 110 kids from diverse backgrounds. One of our campers, Xusheng, an ELL student who joined us last summer in the YMCA Adventure Camp, experienced many behavior problems because he could not communicate effectively with the other students. This year Xusheng speaks English well and has many positive relationships with staff and kids.

Xusheng along with many other students join the YMCA to enhance their English skills. He also made many friends and taught the adults involved in his life the challenges immigrants are faced when they arrive in the country. Xusheng is an excellent success story.

#1. The Huntington CLC has been very instrumental in the life of our families. Thanks to CLC scholarships 15 Huntington children are able to attend Operation Discovery – the Huntington Summer Camp. These children would not be able to attend or experience the great opportunities such as (trips: Henry Doorly Zoo, Island Oasis Water Park in Grand Island, Humane Society, University Place Art Gallery, Lincoln Journal Star, 10/11 News Station, Memorial Stadium, State Historical Society, Morrill Hall, and the State Capitol) our camp offers, without the scholarship.
Operation Discovery has an academic focus that promotes math literacy skills for the kids throughout the summer vacation weeks. It is a safe, fun and exciting place for these children to spend their summer.

#2. We not only impact children and families through our after school and summer programs, but also help meet families’ needs. We have a “New To You” day monthly. Families are invited to help themselves to clothes, household items, school supplies and extras they might not afford otherwise. The kids love it, and frequently ask… “When’s the next New To You Day?”
Our children were able to get new gift items for their parents on Mother’s and Father’s Day. One mom expressed her thanks. “You can’t believe what a great thing it was for my kids to be able to give their dad gifts on Father’s Day. Rod was so touched he cried. (He’s kind of an emotional guy that way).”

#3. Another CLC family’s comments were… “When we participated in the activities during the school year called CFAS, it really made an impact on our lives. It felt like it gave our family a time-out of life’s general problems to just sit down and do something together and not worry so much. I enjoyed the opportunities to talk in the parent group to share and learn from others, and the kids had a blast as well. My husband came when he could and enjoyed himself, too.
My children were able to participate in the Operation Discovery Summer Camp program this year as well and are having a great time. Unfortunately, my son had some medical problems and could not finish out the program but my daughter is still enjoying herself and I am looking forward to helping out with the major field trips on Fridays (the out of town ones).
All in all everything has been wonderful and CLC has been a blessing to our family. Thank you and God bless.”

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