Byesville learns of one effort to insure kids thrive

 Pictured: Shana Fair, Byesville Rotary President, and Zac Anderson, Pathways Fellowship Teen Center.

Two of the six main areas of focus for Rotary service projects are supporting education and saving children. The subject of Zac Anderson’s presentation at a recent Byesville Rotary meeting was of special interest to club members because Anderson is making a difference in both these areas. To hear him speak is to see how deeply he feels about inspiring each child to go beyond their limits and become successful, happy people

Anderson speaks passionately about his work with kids. He explained that many young people in our county do not have parents able to give their kids the kind of support his parents gave him. Anderson has been instrumental in establishing the Pathways Fellowship Teen Center, a 501 3C, offering kids a safe place to spend time, Mondays through Thursdays from 4:00 pm—8:00 pm.

Anderson’s goal is to make sure all kids feel loved and to inspire them to go beyond their limits. His non-profit organization offers kids 13-21 (if they are still in school) time to do homework, tutors to help with the homework, activities such as kick ball, cornhole, ping-pong, art therapy 2 times a week, and an opportunity to build new relationships and make new friends.

Pathways is solely a volunteer organization. Between 20-30 people regularly show up to provide adult supervision and help out at the Pathways building. Another 50-60 teachers volunteer to be available to tutor from 4:00 to 5:00 pm

Anderson provides a loving, safe, “home” atmosphere at Pathways. In addition, he sets rules that the youngsters must observe. This ensures that the Pathways Center provides a consistent structure for the kids.  Anderson’s rules include homework first; then fun. No swearing; no fighting or arguing; no drugs; no open containers are allowed; no vaping. He discourages electronic devices and use of wi-fi because the goal is for kids to interact with other kids and with the adult volunteers.  

Because the Pathways Fellowship is a faith-based organization, financial support must come from independent donors. Anderson cannot get grants from the state. The organization is funded by donations from churches, private individuals, and fundraisers. Their next fundraiser is August 24. Anderson hopes the fundraiser will be successful enough that he can hold just one a year. He pointed out that this year’s fundraiser has the support of 40 businesses and includes an auction, fun for the kids—bounce house, miniature golf—a raffle for a family to attend an OSU game and a taco dinner.

Byesville Rotary Club learns many seniors deal with hunger

Pictured: Shon Gress, Executive Director Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center, and Shana Fair, Byesville Rotary President.

 Shon Gress, Executive Director Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center, spoke to club members about the challenges Guernsey County seniors face as they try to stretch limited budgets to cover their health costs, housing costs, and still provide themselves with a healthy diet.

Through the leadership of Gress, the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center (GCSCC) is nationally recognized for its innovative programs ensuring seniors get healthy, nutritious meals. GCSCC offers a variety of programs aimed at meeting the nutritional needs.

Gress’s version of Meals on Wheels is the program bringing him national attention. needs. Partnering with Meals on Wheels America and several other agencies, the GCSCC implemented ServTracker which allows people who deliver meals to submit reports if they notice significant changes in their clients’ physical health or home environments. This means that problems can be identified and solved early before they become life threatening.

The Meals on Wheels program helps seniors stay at home and stay health by delivering meals 5 days a week to eligible seniors. Easily reheated frozen meals can be provided for the week ends. Each meal is prepared under the watchful eye of a GCSCC registered dietician who ensures each meal meets the recommended daily allowance requirements for people 60 or older. Gress emphasized meals are personalized to meet the dietary needs of for each client.

GCSCC also offers Meals As You Mend, which provides up to 30 home delivered meals to Guernsey County residents 60 or older who have been recently discharged from Southern Med. Discharged patients often feel too weak or tired to even get up and make soup. For these patients, this program is a Godsend. And, for an additional donation, this program can be extended to a family member.

Gress pointed out that GCSCC also provides meals and an opportunity to socialize at various sites around the county. Hot meals are offered Monday thru Friday at the Senior Center in Cambridge and Cambridge Heights Apartments in Cambridge. Lunches are served at 4 satellite sites around the county. Call the Senior Center—740-439-6681—to make a reservation and for locations and times.  

Gress explained all these meals are provided on a "donation only basis." For seniors 60 and over, the suggested donation for a meal is $2.50. For seniors under 60, the suggested donation for a meal is $5.50. No senior citizen will be denied service based on whether they can or cannot make a donation.

Pictured: Shon Gress, Executive Director Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center, and Shana Fair, Byesville Rotary President.