Enhancing quality of life

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The FYCDP is looking for help for help from the community to keep its programs available to the people of Putnam County. FYCDP President Robert Green, tutoring program supervisor Marian Abowitz and NAACP President Rajai Bimbo invite the people of the county to their upcoming events.

Tutoring, mentoring, computer instruction/availability and job fairs are some of the things offered by the Family, Youth and Community Development program in Greencastle.

Never heard of it?

For six years, the not-for-profit organization has made maintaining the integrity of the community and enhancing the quality of life of local residents its primary focus. Important people in its history include DeWayne Norris, who is the founding executive director.

He served in that position until early this year, but still maintains a place on the board of directors along with Robert E. Green, president; Charles Miles, vice president; Joe Miles, treasurer; Pamela Guthrie, secretary; Lisa Meyer-Trigg; and Donnie Irwin.

A more important piece of its history is the donation of the FYCDP building, located at 605 Crown St. from DePauw University.

DePauw's past President Robert Bottoms was very instrumental in the university's donation and in October 2008, the building was named in his honor.

Through the years, FYCDP has helped hundreds of students succeed in their studies by providing after-school tutoring, which will be available again in the fall two afternoons per week at the center. Marian Abowitz coordinates tutoring, and sessions start immediately after dismissal of school. More details will be available closer to fall.

With school now out for the summer, children in middle school to young adults are invited to participate in a pickup basketball clinic coordinated by Vince Greer with DePauw University, Ashton Marshall, a recent Greencastle High School graduate and Jordan Hickam, a current GHS athlete.

The clinic will run from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning June 30 and ending July 30. For more information or to sign up, contact Greer at 247-9122 or Marshall at 721-1629.

Families are invited to visit the center Friday at 5:30 p.m., when the Juneteenth celebration "Make a Joyful Noise" will be held. Attendees will enjoy music, a drum circle and food at no charge.

For more information about this event, e-mail Rajai Bimbo naacp3051@gmail.com

For more summer fun, visit the center July 10 and 31 and Aug. 4 for Family Fun Nights. Games, activities and a casual meal will be provided from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each night at no charge.

Since its inception in 2003, the FYCDP has made it its mission to provide programs and services to residents in need. Now, the center has a need of its own -- support from the community it has been supporting all these years.

"Due to global economic pressures, many other programs have stopped services, leaving much need," said Guthrie. "Only (tax deductible) donations will help us keep the doors of the center open and programs continuing."

In the spirit of keeping its mission alive, the FYCDP board of trustees and staff invites the public to participate in its fundraising drive with the fourth annual Community Golf Outing. Proceeds from the golf outing will benefit the FYCDP, so it can continue to make a difference in the lives of senior citizens, families and young people.

"Our fundraising event will be hosted by Windy Hill Country Club Golf Course in Greencastle," said Guthrie. "Although single participants will be accepted at $45 per golfer, we encourage people to participate by entering a foursome or by taking advantage of several other sponsorship opportunities."

Anyone who is interested in sponsorship can contact Irwin at 653-9886.

All other donations can be mailed to the center at: 605 Crown St., Greencastle, IN 46135 or donors can contact Miles at 653-6325.

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