When Lucinda Wade made an unexpected move to Coraopolis with her family 16 years ago, she quickly embraced her new community.
“We originally came to Coraopolis from Pittsburgh when my husband was sent here to pastor Coraopolis Church of God.” Along with her husband of 25 years, Bishop Kenneth Wade II, and children Khala, Kendra, and Kenny, she immediately started working with local youth. Through the church, they started holding weekly events in the church basement called “Friday Fun Night.” Those basement events built the foundation for what would become Coraopolis Youth Creations (CYC), nine years later in 2013.
Wade is now the Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to building community and strengthening families.
“I’m a connector. I love helping people. I love providing a space for kids to be creative and a place where the community can come together to have fun and find resources,” Wade said.
It was that desire to help and connect people that led Ms. Wade to run for Coraopolis Council, a seat she currently holds.
She commented, “The thing I love about Coraopolis is how we come together to help our neighbors when they are in need. I love going into the local stores and seeing people that I know and when I go to the school I see the kids that come to the community center. I am proud that we have created a space for the kids where they know they are loved and safe.”
Under normal circumstances, you would find the CYC Hub on 5th Avenue in downtown Coraopolis bustling with children and families partaking in classes, programs, and events. But like many of us, CYC had to adapt its operations in light of the COVID-19 health pandemic. With guidance from the CYC board of directors, Wade quickly adjusted and began searching for ways to meet the immediate needs of her community. The result is the newly launched CYC CARES Crisis Mitigation Project, a fund designed to provide one-time emergency stabilization grants to local people in need to help cover rent, utility payments, and emergency expenses.
In addition to monetary and in-kind donations, CYC is currently seeking volunteers to help with after-school and summer programs, as well as new board members with experience in marketing and fundraising.
For those looking to get involved and find their place in community activities, she encourages people to “be honest about what it is you like to do. We all have a gift and you should look for the group or organization that best fits your talents and abilities.”
In her free time, Wade enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on her son at his football, basketball, and baseball games, and walking her dog, Kali.
Check out Coraopolis Youth Creation’s new website at www.youthcreations.net to find out more and to learn how you can become involved today.