To give back to Rock Hill, hygienist Betsy Oliver chose to sponsor scholarships to teach local children swimming lessons. Betsy is happy that she can be part of making sure that every child learns to swim.
2021 is The Year of Giving Back at Cranford Dental. Therefore, we are supporting our employees in helping local charities that they believe in. This is our way of saying thanks to the community that helped us through this unusual year.
This gift confirms what we all know about Betsy: She loves children and wants the best for all of them. And she has a generous heart, especially to children in need.
Betsy’s answers to these questions will help you see why she chose the local YMCA for her gift.
YMCA Swimming Lessons: Why did you Choose this Charity?
Betsy wanted to honor her precious niece’s memory with her gift. Sadly, her niece died in a drowning accident when she was two years old.
Our office is pleased that we can be part of helping Betsy keep other children safe when in or near the water. This is a beautiful way to remember your niece, Betsy.
Dr. Elizabeth Cranford Robinson
In addition, Betsy grew up taking swimming lessons at the local YMCA in Tennessee. Understandably, she wanted to share this positive experience with others.
What did you Learn about Rock Hill, the YMCA, and Water Safety?
Betsy was encouraged to learn that our local families have many chances to learn swimming and water safety.
Olivia Chamblee, Director of Development and Marketing at YMCA, brought Betsy up to date about water safety programs in Rock Hill. The YMCA’s programs include:
- Water safety is critical and one of the main objectives of the YMCA in Rock Hill.
- Especially during water safety month (May), we offer tips for parents on social media to help keep their children safe.
- The YMCA sponsors the Learn to Swim program. This is their commitment that all fourth graders in York school districts have access to swim lessons. Last year (even during the Pandemic), we had 975 fourth graders come through this program.
- We offer scholarships and program discounts to help families take part in YMCA programs. Of course, this includes swim lessons.
How do you Keep your Children Safe Near the Water?
My children took swimming lessons at a very young age. They know the basics of swimming and water safety. But my husband and I realize that we have to be always present when our family is close to water.
It was comforting to hear that the Rock Hill YMCA offers safety tips to parents of young children. We should not assume that swimming lessons make young children safe in the water. Thus parents should have a healthy fear of the water and what can happen quickly if we step away.
Dental Hygienist and Parent Betsy Oliver
What is your Advice to Others who want to Support Water Safety for Children?
The Y’s Director of Development Olivia Chamblee was enthusiastic about the YMCAs water safety programs. Rock Hill is fortunate to have a beautiful Aquatic Center as well as pools at other YMCA locations. Every child in Rock Hill should have a chance to swim during the summer.
If anyone would like to take part in helping others learn to love the water and stay safe, call the Y at 803-324-9622 (ext. 234) or email Olivia: [email protected].
I asked that my donation go specifically to help a person or family that might not be able to afford swim lessons on their own. Every child/person should be able to swim in an emergency situation. I wanted to help a local child.
Betsy Oliver, RDH at Cranford Dental in Rock Hill, SC
What can you Share with your Patients about The Year of Giving Back?
One of the best parts of being a hygienist is the people I get to meet and talk to. Many of our patients share our office’s love for Rock Hill and all it has to offer children and families.
Sharing my interest in water safety is a great way to connect with other Moms of young children. And now I can share with them the great information I got on swimming lessons and water safety at our YMCA.
I love talking to moms and children about what they like to do in our community. Of course, during the summer in South Carolina this often involves the beach-or the pool-or the lake. We are fortunate here to have warm summers and many opportunities to enjoy the water.
Will you explain why you love being a Dental Hygienist in Rock Hill?
Dental hygiene is being a part of restoring a patient’s confidence and boosting her self esteem by helping overall oral health and improving her smile. Of course, this means calming fears about the dentist and helping to change the perception of “I hate the dentist” one person at a time. The same thing applies when teaching a person to love to swim.
Dental Hygienist Betsy Oliver
Hygienists build relationships with people; we listen to their stories and hear about their families. And we share our lives-if my son is still loving school or if my daughter is still giving me a run for it with her larger than life personality and sass.
Laughing with them, celebrating the little victories, congratulating them on life’s milestones or important events, but its also about crying with them and feeling their sorrow when life is not so great at the moment.
Yes, dental hygiene is about the fundamentals of cleaning teeth and helping to heal gum disease, but it’s also that human connection and patient bond that we thrive on. That’s what I love about dental hygiene.
I am thankful for patients who support me and my family. Especially during the year of the COVID Pandemic, I appreciate the support of long time patients and friends.
This is why I am so happy to take part in The Year of Giving Back at Cranford Dental. Hopefully, I can be a small part of giving safety and joy to a child who may not otherwise learn to love the water.
Contact Betsy at Cranford Dental in Rock Hill, SC
Reading this post may show you why Betsy’s patients love seeing her every six months. She has a big heart and loves getting to know the children and grandchildren of her patients. Betsy is a confidence builder.
If you have questions about dental health or gum disease—-or swimming safety, come by Cranford Dental or Contact Betsy at our office in Rock Hill. She would love to visit with you.
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