Partnered community based organizations that create collaboration can reach more of their target population and have a wider impact in the community. First Tee – Western New York partners with a variety of community-based organizations in effort to further live out its mission of enabling kids and teens to build the strength of character by learning the game of golf. One community partnership that has cultivated a lasting impacting is the partnership between Kids Escaping Drugs and First Tee – Western New York.
Kids Escaping Drugs (KED) is an organization that is dedicated to ending the drug epidemic in Western New York. For over 30 years, KED has been empowering adolescents and young adults through early intervention, resources, education, and support. First Tee – Western New York (FTWNY) is a youth-development organization that enables kids and teens to build the strength of character by teaching the game of golf. FTWNY and KED have partnered for three years using golf as a positive outlet to help young people overcome challenges faced with addiction.
Community based programming requires funding support. The Chris Maloney Legacy Foundation is a proud sponsor and supporter of the partnered program FTWNY and KED have developed. The sponsoring foundation President, Deb Maloney Hicks, holds the partnered program near to her heart in memory of her son, Chris Maloney. Chris was an aspiring PGA Golf Professional who ultimately lost the battle with addiction.
Maloney Hicks shares the importance of collaboration and how partnerships in the Western New York Community can shape lives. “No single foundation can be an expert in all things. Partnering with organizations that specialize in youth activities is important as they already have the infrastructure to help us get the maximum benefit from the funds we raise.” Through the partnered program, close to 80 young adults have positively benefitted from the program as they learn how golf can be used as a therapeutic activity that bridges valuable life-lessons. A few of the life-skills integrated with golf activities include – building a positive self-identity and overcoming conflicts of everyday life, especially during the recovery process.
Why Golf Can Be a Positive Outlet
Golf requires focus, patience, and practice and the partnership between the two organizations has created a new-found positive outlet. Chris Maloney Legacy Foundation Board Member, Leibert Danielson, adds, “Golf is an activity that fully engages both the body and the mind. It can be played competitively or just you against the course. It has a strong legacy of encouraging patience, honesty and integrity.” FTWNY has an integrated curriculum that is intentional with connecting those life skills Danielson described with the fundamentals of golf. The nature of game offers countless health enhancing attributes that makes a difference in a young person’s life who is aiming to find positive and encouraging activities. Maloney Hicks adds, “Getting outside for a few hours, concentrating on getting that little ball into that little hole, while getting away from whatever temptations might be present in other environments is invaluable.”
Furthermore, the power of community partnerships has an ever-lasting impact in the Western New York community. By providing the tools and resources for kids, teens, and young adults, they will be better equipped to overcome challenges and be the best individuals they can be. To find out how your community-based organization can partner with First Tee – Western New York visit the First Tee Community Program.