The Fourth of July is just around the corner – the fireworks stands are open and plans for the “Grand Old Fourth” are under way. The Fourth of July provides a wide range of opportunities to celebrate American independence; opportunities as diverse as the population of the United States.

For over 500 people, the Fourth of July begins very early with the annual Fourth of July “Fun Run.” This event, made up of a 1 mile, 5K, and Kids’ Dashes has become tradition for many. Dedicated volunteers appear before 6 a.m. to help with registration and support runners on their route. Participating runners include individuals, couples, and parents with their children. It is truly a family affair and a staple of the Grand Old Fourth.

Surprisingly, I have recently discovered that despite its nearly 30-year history, few islanders realize that the Fun Run benefits Bainbridge Youth Services. Although Bainbridge Youth Services has been around since 1962, providing free counseling, job posting services and other programs to local teens, many Islanders aren’t aware that this annual event supports this important local nonprofit.

Please consider participating as a runner or volunteer in the Fun Run to support Bainbridge Youth Services. In doing so, you will support the hundreds of local teens who see a BYS counselor over the course of a year. Teens who utilize BYS counseling services are struggling with depression, eating disorders, addiction, divorcing parents, abuse and other serious issues. Counseling is free to students, entirely confidential, and located right on campus to allow for excellent accessibility.

One BYS client, now back on Bainbridge after completing her first year of college, has this to say about BYS: “I have struggled with anorexia, depression, a suicide attempt and being sexually assaulted. BYS was a great resource for me.” Without BYS, many students would have nowhere else to turn.

The program that is most familiar to Islanders is the BYS Job Line. This is a service that connects teen job seekers with people who need a willing and able worker. One of the most frequent comments I hear when I ask people if they know BYS is, “Oh yes, the jobs program.” Many share how a job made a big difference in a teen’s life. “One summer my daughter got a job through BYS. The experience gave her something to put on her resume and helped her get a ‘real’ job. It was a wonderful thing for her.” That’s just one of the many stories I hear when hosting jam tastings at Town and Country, a fund raiser to support BYS.

Other well kept secrets at BYS include our Kids with a Heart awards and Strengthening Families Program. Kids with a Heart awards recognize local youth who have made a contribution to the community. The nominations range from small contributions, such as picking up waste, to larger contributions such as raising funds for homeless families. These awards have also made a difference in young lives. One mother shared a touching story of how the award was received at a very difficult time in a young girl’s life, and how “it lifted her spirits and bolstered her determination to believe in herself.” The Strengthening Families Program is a parenting curriculum administered over eight weeks to families with 10-14 year old youth. It has been proven to reduce risk behaviors in youth as they enter high school.

With the many challenges facing youth today, Bainbridge Youth Services is a vital resource. We thank our many local sponsors who make the Fun Run possible and ask you to join them. Registrations for the Fun Run can be found at local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, and www.bainbridgeyouthservices.org

Jeri Meyer is vice president for Bainbridge Youth Services.