Manchester Youth Development Center Inc

I have been a volunteer on the MYDC Development Committee close to two years and it has been a very rewarding experience for me. Every child deserves opportunities to grow and learn outside of the regular school day and MYDC provides nurturing programs for a growing number of children on the North Side. When you find staff passionate about their work and committed to the improvement of their community, you do all you can to support them. We all hope that our contributions big and small make a difference and at MYDC they do, every day.

I have only been employed at the Manchester Youth Development Center for the past two years. First, let me say that I had not heard about MYDC before being hired here. The leadership of Executive Director Mrs. Cheryl A. Walker has grown this organization to higher levels of opportunities for the youth. I have witnessed nothing less than excellent work in all their wonderful programs: Training Wheels, After-School Program, Saturday Program, and much more for the youth, while also bringing an array of community events such as their Annual Health Fair. I only wish that my own community and many others had such a wonderful and committed organization such as MYDC; I believe that the world would be a better place. I want you to know that I am not just an employee of MYDC, I am also humbled and honored to be working for such a GREAT organization whose love and commitment shines every day. Now my husband and I are committed donors to MYDC yearly in hopes that the work and dreams at MYDC continue! Carmen Pace, Employee

While I have only been a Board Member for a short time I was aware of the incredible work of MYDC for years before through my father who was a very proud support of the organization for many years. MYDC is a shining example of the kind of local organization that is making a life-changing difference in children year after year. I remember coming into the center years ago with my father and seeing the joy and excitement on all the children as they participated in the after-school activities. That level of care hasn't changed and in fact has grown under the current leadership of Cheryl Walker. I encourage anyone to learn more about how MYDC is shaping future lives!

I serve as Board Chairperson because of what Manchester Youth Development Center (MYDC) has given me and my family.

As a single parent, I was determined to provide my child with the best programs and opportunities available. The Training Wheels preschool program was recommended and it provided an excellent nurturing and learning environment for my youngster. As she moved into school age, I reviewed all the possibilities. I was reluctant to have my 6 year old at bus stops or moving across town daily so I decided to enroll her in the Manchester Academic Charter School (MACS) which shares space with MYDC. This meant that at the end of the school day, my daughter remained in the same building and attended MYDC afterschool program where she received homework & academic support that was coordinated with her school work. She remained enrolled until her 8th grade graduation and I have nothing but good to report as a result of our experience.

I am always interested to talk about the nurturing, respectful environment, the love and support received and the life long friends that we both made over the years. However one fact that I hope will speak volumes is that my child always scored over the 90th percentile as compared to kids nationally, as she progressed from Kindergarten to 8th grade and I attribute much of her success to MYDC and MACS.

I appreciate the chance to share our story. Thank you for taking the time to hear me and feel free to contact me for more information.

Sincerely,

Nancy Schaefer