by Haley Waggoner – For a few brief moments on July 24, all was quiet in the Georgetown Family YMCA building at 3010 Williams Drive. As visiting Seeds of Strength members filed in, we were greeted by the program’s director, Cathleen “Cat.” She explained that they were awaiting the arrival of kids participating in the Y Teen Time summer camp group, headed back from their outing, which included playing “Nerf Wars” at a local gym. Mr. Gattis pizza was already set out for their lunch. We took a moment to explore the room. Cat and the staff (Nancy, Jacquelin and Jessie) have made an impressive use of the space. The word CREATE is hung at one end of the room, where tables, craf...

by Babs Cape – “I should have been an engineer, but I didn’t know what one was!” Tamara Hudgins tells visiting members of Seeds of Strength. But Tamara is not an engineer; rather, she is the passionate and talented Executive Director of Girlstart, an organization dedicated to making sure her experience doesn’t happen to girls in the 21st century and beyond. Girlstart’s mission is to enlighten, engage and inspire girls to know about science and math and the world of possibilities these subjects open to them. Girlstart’s core programs foster STEM skills development, an understanding of the importance of STEM to solve the world’s major problems, as well as an interest i...

by Linda Austin – Seeds of Strength members came together at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, May 2, to vote on the new grantees for 2019-20. Our first sight after walking in was a festive Cinco de Mayo themed table laden with sumptuous food and a bounty of flowers. The Events Committee dazzled us, again! The meeting began with Chair Lexi Elliott welcoming us to a night of celebrations – the 10th Anniversary Voting Night and the night we would be granting a record $182,000 to deserving nonprofits. Membership Chair Karron Wilson wowed us with the new SoS membership count: 274 women! Joanne Hoover, Grants Chair, explained the diligence and careful work of her com...

by Barbara Garland – As I walked into the Boys & Girls Club (located in the old Carver Elementary School) I was immediately struck by the bustling activity. Ushered into the library, which was cheerfully decorated with Easter and Spring decorations, our group from Seeds of Strength was warmly welcomed by Diane Rasmussen, Volunteer Coordinator. Kelly St. Julien, Branch Manager, and Tommy Rice, Unit Director, spent time explaining the program and how the Seeds of Strength grant is being used. The $20,000 grant from Seeds of Strength has made it possible for approximately 45 children and youth to be mentored in one-on-one weekly sessions. These children are those who need extra a...