“It’s a great feeling to be able to make a positive imprint in a child’s life.” -Thomas
Thomas has been with the YMCA in one capacity or another for ten years. For the past five years, he’s been a Site Coordinator at the Y’s Afterschool program at Sheridan Hill Elementary School. Thomas prides himself on building positive connections with the children and families he works with each and every day. “I love working with kids, and I think building positive relationships goes a long way in a child’s development. I really enjoy it and it’s fun for me,” says Thomas.
Whether it’s leading a youth sports activity, doing arts and crafts, helping with homework, or teaching important life lessons and values, Thomas enjoys being a positive role model to children. “I always try to be someone a child can talk to and a shoulder to lean on.” Thomas says the Y’s Afterschool Program is different from others not only because of the programming, but also because of the passionate and caring staff. “People who work here are in it for more than just a paycheck.”
Thomas says the Y’s impact goes far beyond just child care, too. “There’s so much more to the Y than people realize. You can have your child in our great afterschool program, then take them to a swimming lesson or a youth basketball program.”
Thomas says it means a lot to him to be able to work with and help children learn, grow, and thrive in the Y’s Afterschool Program. “It’s a great feeling to be able to make a positive imprint in a child’s life, and it makes me feel like I’m making a real difference in our community. I’m thankful for the connections I’ve made, and I’m hopeful that my efforts as a coordinator, coach, and mentor will continue to make an impact in the lives of the children and families I’m fortunate enough to work with.”