YMCA accepting grant applications

Olympic Peninsula YMCA is accepting applications for the YMCA Dennis Watson Spirit of TEAM Grant.

The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is accepting applications now for the 2020-2021 YMCA Dennis Watson Spirit of TEAM Grant.

Now in its fourth year, the grant is open to North Olympic Peninsula youth group leaders and teachers working with middle school students who have programs or project ideas that uphold the ideals of the YMCA and “promotes team-building, encourages inclusion, provides social emotional support or fosters good communication,” YMCA representatives said last week.

Applicants can request up to $1,500 to support their program or project.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday.

The grant was developed to honor the legacy of Sequim resident Dennis Watson, who died in December 2016.

Watson devoted nearly 20 years to the YMCA as a board member, volunteer and financial supporter, YMCA representatives said

During his time with the YMCA, Watson promoted the YMCA Middle School Program T.E.A.M that helped eighth-graders improve communication and team-building skills, increased leadership and helped them grow as compassionate individuals.

A team of former co-workers, YMCA teen program alumni, friends, family and YMCA staff partnered to create the Dennis Watson Memorial Fund and Grant.

Last year, three Olympic Peninsula Educators and Youth Programs were awarded grants through the YMCA Fund to support their team-building projects.

Grant awards ranged from $1,000-$1,500 and checks were provided to Port Angeles School District AmeriCorps Program School, to support the creation of a new team-building club at Stevens Middle School; Port Townsend Maritime Center, to support the Bravo Team, a longboat seamanship, team-building and environmental learning program, and Jefferson County 4-H to support facilitator trainings at Gibbs Lake Challenge Course.

“As a grant committee, we are honored to carry Dennis Watson’s commitment to youth programs forward,” said Christine Loewe, Grant Committee Chair and former YMCA of Port Angeles Teen Program Director.

”We have given away $12,500 since the inception of the grant. Given the incredible challenges that youth educators and leaders are currently facing in connecting with their students during the pandemic, we hope that these funds will help plant the seed for new creative ideas.

“Having partnered with Dennis to connect with thousands of young people from our local communities, I know that team-building and communication work with teens has an incredible lasting impact. This grant gives community members the opportunity to take part in creating much needed opportunities for local teens.”

Learn more about the YMCA Spirit of TEAM Grant, download an application or make a donation at www.olympicpeninsula ymca.org/spiritofteam grant.

For more information about the grant, email to grants@olympicpeninsula ymca.org.

________

Terry Ward, publisher of the Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum, serves on the Olympic Peninsula YMCA board of directors.

More in News

Peninsula Behavioral Health head discusses the fallout from federal bill

Anticipated cuts to Medicaid could devastate rural communities like Clallam County, leading… Continue reading

Tool library to open in Port Townsend

Drills, saws and more available to borrow

Fire restriction implemented on federal lands

Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park have restricted campfires… Continue reading

Interdependence Day celebration set for Sunday

Chimacum will host its 14th Interdependence Day celebration on Sunday.… Continue reading

Matthew P. Deines, Outgoing President/CEO, First Fed
First Fed CEO resigns

Bank begins search for replacement

PAHS class of 1975 reunion planned

The Port Angeles High School Class of 1975 is… Continue reading

Lower Elwha Klallm Tribal Chairwoman Frances Charles, left, speaks about the Paddle to Elwha 2025 canoe journey as Carmen Watson-Charles, the tribe’s cultural manager, holds an informational pamphlet during a presentation to the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Thousands expected for canoe journey this month

Tribe anticipates speeches, songs and traditional dance

Glass recycling returns to Jeffco

Port Townsend, Quilcene locations available

Port of Port Townsend OKs update to its strategic plan

Commissioners discuss economic development

Reservoir project to start this weekend

Lower water pressure expected through Aug. 1

Forks institutes voluntary water conservation measures

The city of Forks is requesting residents to follow voluntary… Continue reading