Marion Family YMCA Teen Leaders Club, 645 Barks Road East, Richmond, OH (2026)

Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community, one act of kindness at a time.

06/02/2026

We are excited to share that our Teen Leaders Club is preparing for our 2nd Annual Co****le Fundraiser happening on Saturday, July 18th!

Our Teen Leaders program operates almost entirely on the support of fundraisers and generous community donations. These efforts directly fund the important work we do with local teens, providing leadership development, community service opportunities, mentorship, and safe spaces for young people to grow and thrive. Without this support, many of these opportunities simply would not be possible.

This co****le tournament is our biggest and most important fundraiser of the year, and the impact goes far beyond just one event. Every dollar raised helps us continue building confident, responsible, and engaged young leaders in our community.

We are currently reaching out to ask for support from local businesses and community members. If you or your business would be willing to donate raffle items, gift cards, experiences, baskets, or any items we can use for raffles, it would make a tremendous difference in helping us reach our goal.

If you would like to contribute or learn more about how you can support, please reach out to:

Toy Pendleton
Director of Teen & Youth Development
[email protected]

05/26/2026

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been trying to find even more ways that the Teen Leaders and I can make a positive impact in our community. One idea that kept coming to my heart was supporting the small businesses right here in our town.

Small businesses are the heart of a community. They are built on dreams, hard work, family, and people who truly care about the town they serve. Every purchase, every visit, and every bit of support helps keep those dreams alive while also strengthening our local community. It’s important for our teens to learn the value of giving back, supporting others, and understanding how much of a difference even small acts of kindness and support can make.

So, every other week on the weeks we do not have Teen Leaders meetings, our Teen Leaders and I will be visiting and supporting different small businesses throughout our community!

To kick this project off last Friday, we visited YummY Treats Candy & MORE, and what an amazing experience it was! From the moment we walked in, it felt like stepping into something magical. The store is full of fun, unique candies, delicious treats, drinks, snacks, and so many things that bring out the kid in all of us. Everywhere you look there’s something exciting and nostalgic to discover.

But what truly made the experience special was the incredible staff and owners, John and Jackie Haupt. You can instantly see the love, passion, and hard work they have poured into creating such a fun and welcoming place for families and the community. They were beyond kind, welcoming, and made our Teen Leaders feel so appreciated while we were there. We had such a great time laughing, exploring the store, trying new treats, and simply enjoying being together while supporting an amazing local business. These are the moments that matter and the memories these teens will carry with them for years.

If you have not been to Yummy Treats Candy & More yet, you absolutely need to make a trip there! Go support this wonderful local business, meet the amazing owners, and experience the magic for yourself.

We are so excited to continue this project and continue finding ways to pour back into our community. Teen Leaders will definitely be visiting another small business again soon, and we can’t wait to share the journey with all of you!

05/20/2026

Last Friday I had the absolute honor of being invited to Ridgedale High School to watch 4 of my Teen Leaders receive awards at their end-of-the-year award ceremony, and I truly don’t even have the words to explain how proud I am of them.

Between the four of them, they received an incredible 22 awards. Watching each of them walk across that stage reminded me exactly why I love what I do so much.

Abigayle Place, Shyanne Evans, Tucker Rodgers, and Mylez Crabtree I am so thankful each one of you joined Teen Leaders and that I’ve had the privilege of getting to know you and be even just a small part of your lives. You are all hardworking, kind, driven, and such incredible examples of leadership.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting to meet amazing youth, walk alongside them through different seasons of life, and watch them grow into confident, successful young adults. Moments like this are the moments that remind me why I pour my heart into this program.

Keep shining bright, keep chasing your dreams, and continue being the amazing leaders that you are. The future is so bright for all of you, and I cannot wait to see all the incredible things you accomplish. ❤️

05/06/2026

Last night, I had the privilege of standing alongside 7 of our Teen Leaders as we partnered with Epworth United Methodist Church, Marion, OH for their monthly community dinner.

On the first Tuesday of every month at 5 pm, this church opens its doors to serve those in need in our community and last night, we were honored to be part of that mission.

Together, the teens prepared and handed out 45 hygiene kits that they purchased, assembled, and packaged with care. Every single kit went into the hands of someone who walked through those doors to receive a warm meal and a reminder that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

This is what our Teen Leaders Club is about.

Not just meetings. Not just activities. But action. Compassion. Service. Showing up when it matters most.

It was a privilege to serve side by side with these amazing teens who continue to step up for our community in powerful ways. And this is only the beginning we will continue to show up, give back, and serve whenever and however we can.

Marion is our home. And taking care of our home is what we do.

04/27/2026

I survived another all nighter Teen Leaders Lock-In… our 3rd one and one I’ll never forget. This past weekend, 26 teens chose to spend their Saturday night with me sharing dinner, laughing through games, swimming, making memories, and simply enjoying being kids. In a world where so many young people carry stress, pressure, anxiety, and struggles behind closed doors, nights like this matter more than people realize. Sometimes what a teen needs most is a safe place, positive people, and a chance to smile without worrying about life for a little while. That is why I love what I do. It’s not just about events it’s about building connections, creating belonging, and reminding these teens they are seen, valued, and loved. Been Exhausted since… but my heart is full!!
I hope these teens know how much they each mean to me, and I hope they all know I will always be there for them, standing in their corners every step of the way.

04/24/2026

Last night, two of our Teen Leaders leadership team and I had the opportunity to go support Aaron and I am beyond proud.

Watching my teen leaders step outside of the club, pursue what they love, and grow into such amazing young adults is something that truly means everything to me. It’s moments like this that remind me why I do what I do.

Aaron, you did absolutely incredible. I was so honored to witness your performance, along with all the amazing talent at the opening night of this year’s Bravo competition at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen (Passenger & Rail Co.). The level of talent was just unbelievable.

I’m already so excited to go back next week, if you haven’t gone yet, you need to. Please come out and support these incredible performers. You will not regret it. The next show is Thursday at 7pm!

Supporting our youth is so important, and nights like this show just how much talent and potential they have.

Aaron we will be in your corner, cheering you on every single step of the way!!!

Address

645 Barks Road East
Richmond, OH
43303

Telephone

+17407259622

Website

http://www.marionymca.org/

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