ONTARIO, Ohio — Richland Young Professionals, United Way, NECIC and the Ohio Area Agency on Aging joined forces Friday from 12 to 4 p.m. to rake leaves for the elderly in surrounding communities.
The project was organized in conjunction with the three organization as a way to offer RYP members the chance to engage the community, said United Way Executive Director Dan Varn.
“I think it’s important because we all got to where we got to because someone helped us. They went out of their way to help us. It might have been the tiniest of things, it might have been something big. No matter what age, giving back is critical,” said Varn.
United Way provided the group of nearly 15 RYP members with the materials for the day. The OAAA found six residences in the community that were in need of raking leaves.
“We definitely have those that are in need. So we often look to the community to find ways to get that need met. It’s a great opportunity to get the job done, it’s a really needed service,” said OAAA Chief of Longterm Care Diane Ramey.
Ramey was appreciative of the group that participated Friday.
“I’m excited to know that we have this burden met. These people are really going to be appreciative today, so thank you,” she said to the group before they split into three teams.
NECIC also provided the group with materials and transportation.
“It’s good to get out of the office for the day to do this,” said NECIC Community Organizer Kizzy Williams.
Community service was not the only thing happening Friday, however. Relationships and connections grew.
Brooke Trine, a recent graduate from the Ohio State University and current MBA student, said being a part of RYP has been good to meet professionals in her field.
“This side of what RYP does (community service) is cool, but being able to network and get professional development is my favorite part,” said Trine as she raked leaves for a senior citizen who resided on Rembrandt Street.
RYP meets monthly to connect young professionals to others in their respective fields.
“We socialize, we network, and we give back. Ultimately, our goal is to connect with our community, collaborate with each other, and help Richland County thrive,” reads their Facebook page.
Key Account Relationship Specialist at the News Journal Carmon Walter agreed with Trine.
“There’s so much stuff in Mansfield people don’t know about and don’t get involved with. They should join RYP,” said Walter as she raked leaves.
“It’s really cool to be able to provide a service that isn’t necessarily provided by the city,” added Trine. Friday’s endeavor was Trine’s first community service with RYP.
For more information on how to get involved with RYP, visit their Facebook page.
