Donation makes possible Lynn’s YMCA computer center

LYNN – A former Lynn woman’s private donation made through the WARM2Kids foundation will create a computer learning center at the Greater Lynn YMCA.WARM2Kids, which stands for We Are Role Models 2 Kids, is partnering with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and other organizations to help develop computer learning centers and other programs aimed at youth.On Tuesday, former Boston Celtics coach and NBA standout M.L. Carr joined Lynn YMCA Branch Director Audrey Jimenez, Eric Doucette from WARM2Kids, former Lynn resident RoAnn Costin of Cambridge and others in accepting Costin’s donation and unveiling the computer center. The funding paid for 10 new computer workstations with flat screens and two printers, according to Jimenez.”It’s pretty cool because the woman making this possible grew up in Lynn and spent a lot of time at the Y,” said Jimenez. “She called the foundation and told them she wanted to make a donation for a computer learning center and that it would have to go specifically to the Lynn YMCA.”As a budding female athlete, Costin often relied upon the YMCA pool since male athletes were often given priority at area facilities. She later became a key member of the swim and dive team at Harvard. Looking back, she attributed her experience at the Lynn YMCA as crucial to her success, affording her an opportunity to compete at the national level.”For that, I will be forever grateful to this institution,” said Costin, whose individual sponsorship makes possible another venue for city youth in search of after-school activities.The computer center is already operational and will soon be provided with Internet access.Jimenez said the Lynn YMCA is on the cutting edge of the WARM2Kids program because organizers plan to take it nationwide, using professional athletes as role models.”Their foundation works to find funds and equipment to open learning centers at different agencies for kids, especially those who still don’t have access to computers,” she said. “Kids need a safe and productive place to go after school. Studies have shown that from 3-6 p.m. is when they get into trouble.”For more information on the WARM2Kids Charitable Foundation, go online to www.warm2kids.org.According to its mission statement, the organization’s goal is to become the 21st century’s leader in providing financial, educational, and emotional support for today’s youth. The foundation supports youth education, development and mentoring programs nationwide; and awards, scholarships and grants designed to inspire role model behavior.It’s philosophy adopts the old African proverb that it takes a whole village to raise a child, and for that reason, asserts that “we are all role models.”