THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 29, 1995 TAG: 9510270265
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
Mona Eby Driver and her 8-year-old son, John are happy campers when it comes to the Suffolk YMCA.
Thanks to the Y's scholarship plan, John has been in its summer day camp for two years, and this fall he began his third year in the Y after-school program. In addition, a complementary family membership has given Mom the opportunity to exercise and get the physical therapy necessary for improving her health.
Four years ago, this story had a bleak beginning. Mona Driver was diagnosed with cancer. As a single parent without health insurance, she faced raising $100,000 for medical treatments. John faced a seven-month separation from his mom while she received treatments at Duke University Medical Center.
But through these difficult days, family and friends provided prayerful support, financial assistance and hands-on help. ``I'm here because of the people of Suffolk,'' Driver says, ``and the YMCA has been a big part of that support.''
Martha Callis, Suffolk Y membership director, said the Y provides scholarship funds of nearly $75,000 annually to assist families and individuals like the Drivers. This summer, $20,000 supported 33 campers and 11 preschoolers for summer camp. In addition, $25,000 aided 17 students and 10 preschoolers in the Y's before-and-after school activities. Another $25,000 subsidizes fees for children enrolled in the Y's preschool child care center.
For children like John, every penny spent in scholarship assistance is an investment in a child's future. This summer, John enjoyed a jammed-packed schedule at the Y, including arts, crafts, physical education, swimming, theme projects, visits to the library and weekly field trips. Character values were emphasized and team trees recorded the ``fruits'' of good behavior.
``I really liked swimming in the outdoor pool,'' John said. Dodgeball and home run derby were favorites among his free time activities. And Lee Cross, a three-year veteran YMCA counselor, got John's vote for ``top coach'' in sports.
``John is learning a lot besides just having fun,'' Mona Driver added.
``Each week in the summer there are educational activities and projects related to the week's theme,'' added Tracy Grady, child care director for the Y. A full roster of activities packs the after-school schedule as well, plus there's the added advantage of a tutor to help students get a head start on homework.
The Y is supported by the United Way, which in the midst of its annual fund-raising campaign.
``They have helped to mold John's life,'' Driver said. ``They have always had his best interest at heart.''
Driver, who is studying drafting and design at Tidewater Community College, said, ``The doctors recommended exercise to help me deal with the fatigue caused by my treatments. The Y provided the place, the equipment and the friendly atmosphere. It's terrible to go through a bad health experience, but at the YMCA you see so many wonderful people.''
Callis credits the Y's annual Community Chorus Concert as the top fund-raiser for Y scholarships. Major funds are also brought in through the ``We Build People'' campaign. The ``Kids Helping Kids'' events sponsored by local schools in February provide additional scholarship dollars.
``We are so involved with the young people of our community,'' Callis noted. ``We're trying to help keep them off the streets and focused on wholesome activities . . . With the community's help, we can raise scholarship funds to help more people like the Drivers, who are trying to help themselves.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Mona Driver and her son John enjoy a game of pool at the YMCA. John
enjoyed summer camp at the YMCA while his mother was undergoing
medical treatment at Duke University.
by CNB