Let’s Make a Difference Summer Enrichment Program June 18 – August 1
Kandee Land Karnival August 4 from 1 – 5 pm at Ray Mellert Park

Let’s Make a Difference (LMAD), a Medina non-profit (501c3) organization, is preparing for its annual summer enrichment program for elementary age students who live in Union Square. Founding Director, Michelle Powell, is busy coordinating details, planning activities, and collaborating with Ohio native and Christian R&B recording artist, Prophocey of Real Music Records to bring young people in Union Square an exciting summer of learning and fun!

Let’s Make a Difference, conceived by Michelle Powell in 2000, may have been formed using only her limited resources – a simple meal and a game of kickball at the local park; but it was the positive feedback from the handful of children to whom she reached out that inspired her to make that vision an impactful reality. The program has grown over the years and has come to make a true difference in the lives of kids living in the Union Square community. The program includes character development activities, field trips, academic enrichment, arts and crafts, games and–most importantly–lots of fun.

Supported by local businesses, churches, and other organizations, Let’s Make a Difference is led entirely by volunteers under the direction of Michelle Powell. Thank you to all of our local supporters!

This year the theme of the summer program is Who am I? The message is all about overcoming labels and limitations. Hard work and perseverance count. Michelle Powell is an example of someone who transcended adversity and aims to inspire young people to recognize their own potential and work hard to define themselves in a positive way that rises above the labels imposed by circumstances outside of their control with focus instead on resilience and attaining dreams and aspirations.

A launch party and picnic was held on May 26 at Ray Mellert Park to promote the summer program and encourage parents to register their elementary age children. There are nearly 30 children confirmed to participate in the program this summer, which begins on June 18 and concludes on August 1. The program will culminate on Saturday, August 4 with the annual Kandee Land Karnival at Ray Mellert Park. Kandy Land is presented by LMAD with support from RCMC & Laura Parnell-Cavey, Ward 1 City Council. The goal is to provide a little back-to-school fun for the kids involved in the summer program. The fantasy meets fairytale (not to mention favorite family board game) theme of Kandy Land has become a Let’s Make a Difference staple over the years. “I always teach the kids that if you can see it and believe it, you can do it,” says Powell.

A special addition this year is a speaking appearance by Michelle’s son, Malik Tuck, who is a Medina High School (MHS) graduate and a 2018 graduate of The Ohio State University (OSU). Malik was selected to speak at commencement exercises this past month at OSU. Also speaking on August 4 is Hunter Heaton, another MHS graduate. Both young men are role models to the young people of Union Square and have inspirational stories to share about the challenges they have overcome to become successful in their lives.

The carnival includes a variety of fun games, prizes, magic shows, face-painting, live music, and candy treats including cotton candy and a chocolate fountain, in addition to burgers and dogs for all who attend. Special thanks to Longhorn Steakhouse and KinderCare Learning Centers who have also partnered with Let’s Make a Difference to make this event possible.

This year is especially exciting because Let’s Make a Difference has partnered with R&B recording artist, Prophocey of Real Music Records. While on a national tour, Prophocey will make a stop in Medina, Ohio to work with kids involved in the summer program on character development and confidence building through songwriting and music appreciation and will also perform a live concert at the August 4 carnival. All are welcome to attend! Admission to the carnival and concert is only $1.00 for Union Square residents and $2.00 for anyone living outside of Union Square. Will offerings are also appreciated.

For additional information or to register as a volunteer please visit:
www.lmadmedina.org
www.prophocey.com

For questions, please contact:
info@lmadmedina.org