As students get ready for school this August, having the right supplies on the first day helps them feel confident and prepared. Kellie Kiser, the community executive at the Clermont Family YMCA, recently spoke with Bob Pautke from Good Day Clermont! about new programs to help students get ready for school.
Kiser has worked at the YMCA for sixteen years and became Community Executive in 2021. She remembers the challenges the community faced after COVID, but thanks to 150 to 300 dedicated volunteers each year, the YMCA has continued to offer important programs for people of all ages.
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In her interview with Good Day Clermont!, Kiser talked about the upcoming Social Responsibility & Backpack Program. This initiative helps make sure every student has the supplies they need to start the semester well.
When asked why this program matters for younger children, Kiser said, “I think to give them confidence and some security.” She also mentioned that families often reach out to the YMCA to ask about the program and pick up supplies before each semester.
Kellie Kiser at her desk.
“Kids worry more about stuff like that than we really give them credit for,” Kiser said. “We hear it all the time with our kids in our programs. They say they know they need it, but they aren't sure they are going to be able to get it.”
The Social Responsibility & Backpacks Program helps students access various supplies, such as:
Pencils
Paper
Pencil pouches
Corded headphones
Erasers
Markers
And more
The Clermont Family YMCA personalizes its collection based on each school’s recommended supply list. “Anything that we don’t have enough of, we will try to supplement in some way,” Kiser said.
The organization maintains a budget to buy new supplies each year. However, much of their inventory comes from community donations.
Kiser’s facility began collecting donations for the August semester last Friday. They will accept contributions through August 7, at which point they will begin sorting and packing.
Sorting supplies takes a lot of work. “We’re always looking for people to volunteer,” Kiser said. “It's a way to give back if you want to give back.”
Volunteers with the Clermont Family YMCA typically offer their time for hospitality or philanthropy work. Some volunteers check and restock coffee for staff members; others take direct part in organization and day-to-day responsibilities.
Despite the pool of volunteers slowly recovering since COVID, Kiser would still like to see more residents step up and offer their help.
“We have a lot of room for growth here, as far as being a community partner doing more in our community for the people in general.”
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Those who would like to volunteer for the Social Responsibility & Backpack Program can contact the Clermont Family YMCA online. Sorting will take place on August 7 at 2075 James E. Sauls, Sr. Drive, just past the new Batavia Purina factory.
Good Day Clermont! host Bob Pautke also asked about other programs the YMCA offers children. Kiser explained that they organize before- and after-school programs year-round for K-12 students.
Parents can sign their kids up for summer camp, swimming lessons, social outings, and education preparation courses.
The pool at Clermont's YMCA
“We have two school districts come into one location,” Kiser explained. “They’re learning to interact with kids who are also in their same community. So, we’re not just teaching them their math skills, but we’re introducing them to their neighbors in the future.”
The YMCA ensures that the children have breakfast and afternoon snacks to improve their health and focus. These programs have demonstrated improvements in children's academic performance and social development.
Those interested in other lifelong-learning volunteer opportunities can visit the Greater Cincinnati YMCA website for more details. Kiser is also available for direct questions about openings in Clermont County.
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