Royal Oak Youth Assistance President shares passion for helping children

(Sam Lynch, Chairman of the Royal Oak Youth Assistance Board and Principal of Royal Oak Oakland Elementary School)

Royal Oak, MI – I am an incredibly lucky guy who comes to realize this fact more and more year after year. Growing up in Royal Oak, my parents gave me countless opportunities to discover new things and grow as a person, which continues to influence me until middle age. My wife and I are also incredibly lucky to be able to do the same for our three children. Whether it’s the things we got to do as a family or the wide variety of activities they got to participate in as individuals, I can unequivocally say that we all live rich lives. I really wouldn’t ask for anything more in life and will be eternally grateful to everyone who has played a part in this journey.

Part of my rich experience has been the chance to spend most of the past three decades working in education. And while I have seen more acts of generosity and inspiration from educators than I could ever count, and have been truly touched by every child / family I have met, I ‘ve also become acutely aware of the disparities between the lovely life that my family and I have led and the struggles that many hardworking and loving families have endured in their journey. This is the main reason behind my advocacy for Royal Oak Youth Assistance (ROYA).

It is a fundamental belief for me that every child should have the opportunity to grow and be successful. And growth doesn’t just happen in school. Growth occurs in sports teams and in music lessons. Growth occurs in drama clubs, martial arts, and summer camps. Growth occurs in multiple ways given the diversity of children and families that exist in our world.

Support from a community is also needed to promote the aforementioned growth. This support involves family and individual support. It is also financial support for basic survival needs. It’s about giving children the resources they need to be successful in school. This involves mentoring the children. It means recognizing children for the good they do in this world.

All of this is deeply recognized and addressed by ROYA. We are a volunteer-run organization that works with schools, the city and the courts to try to improve the lives of our children and their families. Our goal is just to help these kids and families and nothing more, and to wholeheartedly welcome any like-minded person or organization that wants to be a part of what we do, whether through financial support or roll up their sleeves to help us do what we do.

For all those who would like more information on ROYA, I urge you to consult the link below.

Royal Oak Youth Aid

Among other site information, the front page contains our annual letter to stakeholders which details all of the wonderful work this group has done over the past year. There is also a link to donate for anyone who wishes and contact details are also included on the site. I hope that many who have taken the time to read this article will also take the time to learn more about what ROYA does and how they could help. I guarantee you will find the experience rewarding and rewarding.