Every time I think about Hillside Family Services, I think of a little boy named Willy- who lived at Hillside. When I was growing up I swam on the YMCA swim team with Willy. There was one meet that I will never forget- it was the East Invitational’s. Willy was about 11 years old and he had been burned over 75% of his body. It came time for his race, and the other swimmers finished several laps ahead of him. Willy kept swimming and on his last lap, everyone in the pool area was on their feet cheering for Willy. When he finally finished- he said that it was the biggest accomplishment of his life! It still gives me goose bumps thinking of that day.
Not only did Hillside help Willy, they help about 7,000 families and 12,000 kids a year. They offer many programs to help kids and families stay on track. United Way funds 4 programs at Hillside. There are many programs that Hillside has all over NYS, but the one that stood out the most to me was the Alternative for Independent Youth. Under this program there are drop in centers where police take the kids if they don’t have a safe home. Hillside also offers the curfew center. At these centers they have programs for teens to get their GED’s or an apartment.
Walking thru the Hillside campus it almost reminded me of the University of Rochester campus- with the old beautiful buildings. They have everything a kid could possibly need and more.
If you haven’t already- check out my blog on Creastwood Family Center- it’s a part of the Hillside Family Agency.
I know that Willy impacted my life- has a Hillside child affected yours?
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