YOUNGSTOWN Donation makes YMCA accessible

The VanSickle Foundation is supported by an all-volunteer board.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Hundreds of physically challenged YMCA members have easier access to facilities thanks to the VanSickle Foundation for Our Kids.
The organization was to be honored at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today marking completion of a curb replacement project that makes the building handicapped accessible.
"We have 250 handicapped members and 1,000 more challenged individuals who come to the YMCA each year for special programs," said Mike Shaffer, branch director.
High curbs that surrounded the building were extremely difficult for those individuals to negotiate. "We asked the city about two years ago to replace them, but they didn't respond. After one of our members was injured, we knew we had to do something."
What was done: The YMCA couldn't come up with $10,000 to pay for curb replacements, so the VanSickle Foundation, founded in 1990 to help children with special needs, paved the way, providing $8,900 for the project. Construction was completed in November.
"As a rule, we don't give to organizations, but our board voted unanimously to fund this project," said Sam Naples, foundation vice president.
The YMCA serves as a recreational and therapy center for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. There is a wheelchair basketball team, daily swim and gym classes for special-needs children, adapted aquatics programs for the physically challenged, exercise classes for arthritis sufferers, and a physical therapy clinic for those recovering from accidents and injuries.
Although most grants are awarded to individuals who have exhausted other avenues of funding, Naples said funds have also been used to make community playgrounds, such as Kids Town in Boardman Park, handicapped accessible.
"We never give money," Naples clarified. "We buy tangible things like wheelchairs, lifts and the hoists that are used to get a physically disabled person out of bed or into the tub."
About the foundation: The VanSickle Foundation is supported by an all-volunteer board and a variety of fund-raising activities, including an annual golf outing, a Chili Cook-Off at Crystal's Restaurant in February, and a steak fry and family fun day in September. One hundred percent of funds raised go directly to foundation projects.
Since its inception, the VanSickle Foundation has given away more than $600,000 in goods and services, including $38,000 so far this year.
"Our biggest challenge," Naples said, "is letting people know we're available to help."
Funding requests may be sent to the VanSickle Foundation, P.O. Box 6022, Youngstown 44501.
Requests are open to children living in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties. The spending cap for each award is $2,500 unless the board votes unanimously to exceed that.
kubik@vindy.com