Today's Wolfpack football players, tomorrow's DC high school football stars?  Maybe, thanks to support from SWNA-YATF. (Photo: Dale MacIver)
Today’s Wolfpack football players, tomorrow’s DC high school football stars? Maybe, thanks to support from SWNA-YATF. (Photo: Dale MacIver)

Ever wonder how long it takes your contribution to the SWNA Youth Activities Task Force (SWNA-YATF) to be put to use or make an impact with our youth and their families? Wonder no longer. The all-volunteer SWNA-YATF meets and considers mini grants regularly, allowing funds to be issued quickly or at an average of about $1000 awarded monthly. During 2012, SWNA-YATF awarded the following grants:

–  Jefferson Academy for uniforms for the new girls basketball team ($800);

–  Jefferson Academy Environmental Science Trip to Costa Rica in March ($800);

–  SW Girls Scout Troop 4298 at King Greenleaf Recreation Center for day-long activities ($400) and weekend camping ($800);

–  Kemet Productions to purchase costumes for SW kids to participate in the December production of  “The Nutcracker” and “Mouse King” at Howard University’s Blackburn Center ($800);

–  King Greenleaf pilot program against bullying for girls ($800); and

–  Computer-for-Kids Computer Training Program for nutritional snacks after class (eight weeks) and graduation ($150).

In addition to the grants above, SWNA-YATF continues to be one of the main supporters of the athletics programs at King Greenleaf Recreation Center at 201 N St. SW. Volunteer coaches at the recreation center start our local kids at a young age – mostly from Amidon-Bowen Elementary School – learning teamwork, following instructions, participating in and knowing the importance of warm-up drills and practicing football fundamentals of passing, blocking and running.

SWNA-YATF uses contributions from Southwest residents and others to help keep SW Wolfpack teams, consisting of up to 25 in each team of five different age groups (ages 5 through 14), training all week from April through November and competing city-wide against other neighborhoods. Each year much equipment is passed on from last year’s teams, including jerseys and football pants, helmets and shoulder pads. But some always need replacing. An $800 request from the Wolfpack teams will be considered at SWNA-YATF’s January 26 meeting for equipment such as safety pads for inside the pants, mouthpieces, chinstraps, footballs and pompoms for the cheerleaders.

The need is great and your contribution will be put to immediate use so please consider making a tax deductible contribution payable to the SWNA-YATF and forwarding it to PO Box 70131, Washington DC 20024. A $25 contribution will help send a Girl Scout camping, purchase mouthpieces for the Wolfpack teams, purchase supplies for the girls bullying program at King Greenleaf or help to provide nutritional snacks and information for the Computer-for-Kids program.

Thelma D. Jones is a member of SWNA’s board and the recently appointed chairperson of SWNA-YATF.

Jefferson Middle School girls basketball team in their new uniforms, donated through a YATF grant...just in time for a first game victory win with Hardy Middle School, 54  to 15. Great Game! (Photo: Saadia Athis)
Jefferson Middle School girls basketball team in their new uniforms, donated through a YATF grant…just in time for a first game victory win with Hardy Middle School, 54 to 15. Great game girls! (Photo: Saadia Athis)

One thought on “SWNA’s Youth Activities Task Force Makes an Impact”

  1. Most youth are not into stress-relieving activities because they find it really boring. They often conjure images of someone meditating for many hours, sitting with a lotus pose, or doing Tai Chi activities. These activities are suited for older individuals but for the youth, you can always do simple and fun activities that can relieve stress. Soon, you will feel better and you get to enjoy your teenage days.’

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