Holmes County GRIT expands for summer

Last fall when the Holmes County Juvenile and Probate Court system created the GRIT Athletics fitness program, it opened a world of possibilities for young people to have all the benefits of being led in workout regimens by professionals for free.

Since then the program has found great success, and it is now ready to invite more teens to take advantage of this opportunity at 9:24 CrossFit in Berlin.

Together, Brody Williams, an employee with the Holmes County Juvenile Court, along with Irene Burgett and Jason Miller, owners of 9:24 CrossFit in Berlin, have spearheaded this venture. They have watched as the fitness program has done everything they had hoped it would accomplish.

“Everything’s been running great,” Williams said. “Many of the kids have been very consistent in attending, and there’s been a lot of growth. It’s cool seeing how self-sufficient they’ve become in the gym. At this point the kids don’t need that constant instruction.”

Not only have the youth improved physically, but also they have benefited in other ways.

“It’s been great to see their confidence grow,” Burgett said. “They are having fun and working hard, but we’ve seen relationships growing between the kids and their self-esteem is building.”

“When I was building this program, one of my hopes was that we’d see their confidence grow,” Williams said. “Many of these kids are the great athletes, but they are doing things they never thought they would be doing, and they can see the difference in their bodies and in their lives. Kids have told us they aren’t as angry anymore because they have something constructive to fill their days.”

Williams said the response from both teens and their parents has been gracious, and the community support has been important.

GRIT operates throughout the school year from 3-4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:24 CrossFit in Berlin. Every session is coach-led and structured by professionals at the facility and Williams.

Because of the program’s success, it will continue to operate over the summer months when school is on break.

“We are excited that we will be continuing to run the program throughout the summer with the same structure,” Burgett said.

To join, each youth must be referred by someone, whether that be a parent, grandparent, teacher, church member or any adult. Once a referral is received, Williams connects with the family to discuss everything the program entails.

“Anyone can make a referral,” Williams said. “Schools, family, someone at church — anyone can make a referral at any time, whether it is now or during the year.”

Williams then meets with each youth and their guardians to complete some simple paperwork and discuss the program. Families also are invited to go to CrossFit to meet with the team there and explore the facility prior to jumping in.

While many youths have been attending since its inception, Burgett said youth can join any time and will be introduced at their own pace. She said the existing members have all exhibited a penchant for helping newcomers feel at home and are eager to help and encourage others.

“Not everyone is at the same point,” Burgett said. “They’re all like clay, and they can be molded, and they’ve all gone with the flow and adapted to the program quickly.”

Williams said when young people are involved with physical activity, it provides more social activities, gets them in front of great role models, and promotes a healthier lifestyle by lessening obesity and chronic heart failure, promoting mental health, improving focus, memory, school studies, behavior and more.

He said that once a teen begins, there is no requirement to be at every session.

“Whether kids are in sports or they aren’t athletic, there are so many benefits,” Williams said. “And if someone isn’t sure whether they would enjoy it, we encourage families to ask questions and come in and give it a try. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain because the benefits are so immense.”

While GRIT Athletics is sponsored by Holmes County Juvenile Court, the youth fitness program is not only something designed specifically for at-risk youth. Williams was quick to point out that this venture is designed to benefit all youth who want to better themselves physically, emotionally and mentally.

Williams also is willing to provide transportation for anyone who needs it, noting his chief Dave Williams has been instrumental in allowing him to create this program.

Whether running, lifting, biking, doing cardio or many other activities, GRIT has created a terrific opportunity for growth in many ways for Holmes County youth.

9:24 CrossFit is located at 5252 state Route 39 on the west edge of Berlin in the lower level of the building.

The program is open to any age-appropriate youth in Holmes County. Anyone wanting to provide a referral may do so by calling Williams at 330-674-5841 option 3 or via email at bwilliams@co.holmes.oh.us.

Those with questions about what types of exercises are offered may call Burgett at 330-473-8094.