In a momentous ceremony, community leaders and residents gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the first YMCA in Saint Mary's County, marking a significant milestone in a nearly decade-long effort to establish a community center. Dr. Janice Walthour, a retired educator and administrator, opened the event with an invocation, expressing the joy and perseverance that has characterized this journey.

The initiative began approximately nine years ago, driven by a collective desire to address the longstanding sentiment among residents that there was \"nothing to do\" in the county. Commissioner Mike Hewitt played a pivotal role in uniting various stakeholders, including the NAACP and local youth organizations, to form a steering committee dedicated to the project. This collaborative effort included input from students, parents, and community members through a process known as community youth mapping, which helped identify the needs and desires of the local youth.

Dr. Walthour highlighted the importance of community unity in bringing the YMCA project to fruition, acknowledging the contributions of numerous individuals and organizations that rallied together to advocate for the center. Funding was secured through the support of local commissioners, legislators, and business entities, culminating in the groundbreaking ceremony that signifies the beginning of a new chapter for Saint Mary's County.

As the event coincided with the YMCA's World Week of Prayer, Dr. Walthour reflected on the challenges faced during the journey, emphasizing the hope and optimism that now permeate the community. With the construction of the YMCA set to provide a space for recreation and engagement, residents can look forward to a brighter future filled with opportunities for connection and growth.