TEAM ‘GOWOYO’ SEEKS SUPPORT

Representing Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services during the OC TriRunning half-marathon on April 24, will be, from left, Karen Clayland, Katie Conforti, Assistant Director Carolyn Cordial and Susie Shockley. The women, who met Tuesday on the Boardwalk to practice for the event, are seeking supporters for their team of runners, dubbed Team GOWOYO. Money raised by the GOWOYO team will benefit Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services and the programs offered by the nonprofit organization. (Jan. 22, 2010) Families and individuals are struggling during these tough economic times, around the country and locally as well. As a result, Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, with offices on North Main Street in Berlin and on Willow Street in Pocomoke, has seen an increase in demand from county residents and those living in surrounding areas for the services the nonprofit organization offers.

To raise money to support its programs, Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services has formed a team to compete in the OC TriRunning half-marathon on April 24. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

So far, WYFCS Assistant Director Carolyn Cordial, therapist Becky Cornwall, psychologist Jennifer Kelly and SAGES Director Katherine Smith have signed on to represent the organization in the race.

“I’ve never run more than six miles before so this is a new goal for me,” Cordial said. “The most the other girls have run is between two and five miles, so this is a big thing and we thought it would be nice to do together.”

Several Sunset Grille employees and members of Cross- Fit Ocean City, a fitness group, have also joined the “GOWOYO” (Go Worcester Youth) team.

Runners interested in competing in the 6th annual halfmarathon and raising money for the organization should call 410-641-4598 or attend the GOWOYO kickoff fundraising event, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 6-8 p.m. at the West Ocean City Greene Turtle on Route 611. Sponsorship and donations will also be accepted for those who want to support the team but not by lacing up their sneakers.

“Team members are going to get sponsors to support them in their run efforts and the money raised goes toward the agency,” Cordial said. “We’re trying to get people to realize how much families and children in the community are struggling. We live in a wonderful place, but we want to make sure our kids are safe.”

Only money raised by the GOWOYO team will benefit Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services.

The group is planning to get together a few times a week to prepare for the 13.1-mile race, which will begin at the Ocean City inlet parking lot, continue along the Boardwalk and across the Route 50 bridge, through West Ocean City and will conclude at Assateague State Park.

The first two years of the Ocean City event, which included full and halfmarathons and 5k race, proceeds benefited Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a WYFCS program that recruits, trains and supervises volunteers to serve as special advocates representing the best interests of abused and neglected children in the foster care system on the Lower Shore.

WYFCS mission is to “empower all people, of all ages, toward leading capable, purposeful, responsible, fulfilled lives in healthy families and communities.” The organization was founded in 1975 and since then, it has assisted more than 30,000 area residents.

Money raised by GOWOYO team members and sponsors will be used for WYFCS services and programs, which include mental health counseling, social education, advocacy, outreach and support, professional education and training.

“All of the programs here are about keeping kids safe and keeping families stable,” Cordial said.

CASA is among several of the services that will benefit from the fundraising efforts. The program currently represents 47 children in foster care, Cordial said. SAGES, Strengthening Adolescent Girls with Education and Support, will also benefit. It is for girls who are experiencing difficulty or conflict in school and at home. The purpose of the program is to provide quality, comprehensive, emotional and educational support services. There are approximately 20 girls in both the Berlin and Pocomoke programs.

WYFCS’s service philosophy is to “build on an individual’s strengths enabling each person to recognize their full potential by using their positive relationships, experiences, values, and attributes that contribute to a healthy personal growth and empowerment.”

Its vision is of a “community where children are well cared for, where the opinions of young people matter, where youth and adults work side-byside to problem solve, where adults are empowered to live healthy, productive lives, and where all are seen as valuable members of the community.”