United Way of Weld County is pleased to announce the investment of $60,000 in recreation scholarship funding to support youth access to sports and wellness activities throughout Weld County. These scholarships will help eliminate financial barriers for more than 1,000 young people, ensuring they can participate in programs that build confidence, promote physical health, and create a sense of belonging.
With substantial support from The Weld Trust, and thanks to the generosity of local donors and partners, these investments will provide participation scholarships as offered by 15 municipal and nonprofit recreation programs, including:
- Carbon Valley Parks & Recreation District
- City of Evans Recreation
- City of Fort Lupton Recreation
- City of Greeley Recreation
- Eaton Area Park & Recreation District
- Highland Recreation Association
- LaSalle Recreation
- Platteville Recreation
- Rebels Youth Athletics
- Thompson Rivers Parks & Recreation District
- Town of Erie
- Town of Kersey
- Town of Mead Recreation
- Town of Windsor Parks, Recreation & Culture
- Town of Windsor PRC for Severance
When asked recently during a 1310 KFKA Good Morning NoCo interview if Johnstown and Milliken has experienced growth in their activities, Kathlene Woltemath, recreation director with Thompson Rivers Parks and Recreation District, shared, “Across the board, especially in our youth athletics, our numbers have grown substantially from year to year.”
Kathlene then shared a story about a family with four children who were all involved in youth athletics and lost their mother in an untimely, tragic accident. Because of the United Way recreation scholarships all four children were able to remain in their respective activities despite the loss of their mother and the cost burden incurred during such a difficult time.
Each recreation program recipient demonstrated a strong commitment to serving youth from families with financial need. All funds will be used to directly offset registration or participation fees for sports, enrichment, and wellness programs.
As part of United Way’s ongoing effort to improve childhood and youth success in Weld County, these awards will help young people gain the tools they need to thrive today and into the future. Contact Lyle SmithGraybeal, chief operating officer, at 970-304-6163 or Lyle@UnitedWay-Weld.org for more details.
