Dear Reader,

Enclosed is an article about how investments in United Way are making a difference in the lives of individuals in our area. Thank you for your continued interest in United Way of Westmoreland County's news service.

We are proud to share with you this week an article about United Ways commitment to providing resources for those who need the most support in our area.

United Way Helps Level the Playing Field

The Southwest Greensburg Recreation Board's Adaptive Baseball League is built on the bonds of the community.  United Way of Westmoreland County is an active community member helping to ensure the league's success each year.  Your investment in United Way allows this league to make America's favorite pastime a reality in our backyard for a special group of individuals that would not normally get to grab a bat and take a swing at a ball.

The league was founded twelve years ago in order to bring children and young adults with special needs together as athletes.  Some are blind, some deaf or autistic; there are players in wheelchairs and even players who need to be carried around the bases.

Marc Lenzi, President of Southwest Greensburg Recreation Board, describes the league as a place where "Everybody bats, nobody's out, and the score is always tied."

It is important that the mentally and physically challenged players are treated just like any other.  Through the league, United Way of Westmoreland County is providing an environment that young people need for the opportunity for growth.  "We do whatever we need to do, to let the kids be regular players," Marc says.

There was a girl that ran all the way out to right field when she hit the ball, sliding into home plate via center field and left field. And there was Teddy, who was born physically challenged and is very unstable on his feet, played for six years, and this year walked to first base without his walker.  Children who have not shown emotion suddenly do. The overall well being of the players as they hit, run and cheer their teammates around the bases.

And then there is Doug, now 26, who has played since the league started. "This is everything to these kids," Marc says.  "It gives them something to look forward to. They don't understand rainouts."

Doug (right), one of the last original players, takes off from home
to first base with his "buddy" Nick who volunteers for the Adaptive
Baseball League.

Each year, the league has about 50 players from communities throughout Westmoreland County. Most players are ages 5 to 18, but in true team spirit, players are able to keep playing at any age, as long as they are not too physically strong for the other players. Games are played Sunday evenings, May through July, at the recreation board's Red Devils Field.

Players have a "buddy" to help him or her do what they need to do - and to stay safe. Buddies - volunteers of all ages, from players' families to church youth groups and employees of local companies - enable parents to sit in the stands and just watch their kids play and have the best time.
United Way of Westmoreland County has granted $14,500 in support of the league from 2005-2008. This funding allows the league to give the players something to look forward to each week in the summer and enjoy America's favorite pastime with others not to mention - increased social skills and confidence!

Thanks for investing in United Way of Westmoreland County.

Thank you, once again, for your participation!

Sincerely,

Skip Glenn

United Way of Westmoreland County