Community Partner: Saturday Hoops/ CYC
Saturday Hoops is an organization partnered with Cincinnati Youth Collaborative that provides group mentoring through creative, instructional and physical activities. Each Saturday morning, volunteers – consisting of individuals and groups from organizations throughout the community – come to one of three locations to engage and participate with the kids. Each day begins with a morning devotion and ends with encouraging messages given by inspiring leaders from the community. In between these positive messages, volunteers strive to inspire kids to try each of the stations, including but not limited to basketball, soccer, football, arts and crafts, yoga, and reading.
The goal of Saturday Hoops is to provide a safe place for kids to come build self-esteem, positive mentorship, and personal values. The themes of Saturday Hoops are being hard workers, overcomers, cheerful givers, and good stewards. At the end of each Saturday, kids have the opportunity to recite the pledge in front of their peers or get nominated as someone who embodied the themes throughout that day, each rewarded with positive affirmation and a small prize. Ultimately, week after week, kids build confidence, positivity, and aspirations for the future.
About Ellie
I was born and raised in the greater Cincinnati area, specifically in Fort Thomas. I graduated with a Public Health degree from the University of Louisville and came back to Cincinnati for medical school.
I got involved with Saturday Hoops over a year ago and fell in love with the organization and all the kids I have met throughout my time there. I thought this elective would provide a great enhancement to the volunteering that I already do and would be a way to further my involvement and contribution.
I am pursuing a career in Radiology and look forward to incorporating service and advocacy in my future career.