Community Spotlight: Cossaboom YMCA

img_0823Many people tend to overlook the state of living for inner city youth in Houston. Some make a conscious effort to look the other way, while others find their lives too busy to take notice. There are some though, who find themselves staring the issue squarely in the face. There are some, who know that before we can look forward to the futures of our children, we must first guide them through the obstacles of their present.

Sitting at the interchange of the South Loop, Hwy 225, and I-45 (3 of South Houston’s busiest freeways), the Cossaboom YMCA stands as a safe haven not only for the community’s less fortunate but perhaps more importantly, the area youth. This past weekend, MyHoustonLife had the opportunity to see this organization and it’s amazing staff work their magic in person as they hosted Healthy Kids Day, a completely free event to promote living a healthy lifestyle.

Granted, there are several YMCAs in the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area doing great things in their own respective communities and MHL is well aware of the need to shed some much needed light upon their efforts as well (feel free to contact us to tell us about your events at info@myhoustonlife.com).  With the exception of the Downtown YMCA which, let’s face it, is right smack in the middle of Houston’s urban atmosphere, Cossaboom finds itself in the position to perhaps do the most good by reaching the most in-need communities. Not convinced that the Cossaboom YMCA plays a large role in the community? This Saturday, Cossaboom hosted Healthy Kids Day, a barbecue fundraiser for their Teen Program, AND a youth basketball league.

img_0822So back to why MHL was there in the first place, Healthy Kids Day! (and we heard that there would be barbecue, we love us some BBQ!) The event opened the doors of the Cossaboom YMCA to the members of the community, allowing families to wander the confines of the building in search of tips on how to live life the healthy way. From free blood pressure tests to exhibits on how to cook red meat properly, there were plenty of activities for event-goers to partake in. And of course there was plenty of fun to be had by the neighborhood kids who found their way to the event as well! Can we say ridiculously awesome, inflatable moonwalk obstacle course?! Yes! A thousand times, yes!

There were several opportunities during the event to become more involved with the Cossaboom YMCA as well. Not only was the YMCA taking in new members at the event, the YMCA was also actively promoting their highly successful Summer Day Camp Program –a program I have personally been involved with in the past and have taken several memories and personal life lessons from. On a personal note, this MHLer has been involved with this particular YMCA both from afar and in depth and feel extremely lucky to continue my relationship with the good people of this institution. I have personally witnessed the difference that this place has on the people of this community and most importantly the lives of the youth in this area. The testimonials of its members are both inspirational and heart-warming. Some day some of those testimonials will be my own.

And so I urge fellow Houstonians to get involved with your local YMCA, they are doing important things in YOUR community! If you are in the Southeast side of Houston, stop by the Cossaboom YMCA, you may run into an MHLer there. Visit their official site for more information.

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