When you walk into May Park Community Center, Ouida Pippins is the first person to greet you.

"From my desk I can see everyone who comes in here, and we have all gotten to know each other really well," she said. "I've been called auntie and godmother by many children and adults alike. It makes you feel good when you are close-knit with the people who use the center."

Ms. Pippins has worked at the community center for two years and has been with the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department for 21 years. She spent 19 years at the Bernie Ward Community Center.

As the program coordinator, she plans regular activities for children and adults, coordinates special events and assists with everyday tasks.

Her favorite activity at the center is the annual summer camp.

"I get to see the small children and older children at the same time," she said. "I enjoy watching them have fun and see their expressions when they learn how to do something new."

One of her goals is to provide more programming, especially in music, for the teens that use the center. She said most programs are now geared toward younger children.

"I love music," said Ms. Pippins, who is also the secretary and does booking for Soul Dimension, a local rhythm and blues band. "I think the kids would absolutely love having music programs here. It would give them more options when it comes to extracurricular activities."

Ms. Pippins also fills the role of motivator.

"Sometimes the kids come in and feel a little down," she said. "As adults, it's our responsibility to teach the kids that they should dream and reach for those dreams and never let anyone discourage them. I always tell them that they can accomplish their dreams if they put their mind to it."

She knows what inspiration can do for someone because she was inspired by a former recreation department employee, Pat Daniels, Ms. Pippins said.

"She retired several years ago, but what she told me so many years ago has stuck with me," she said. "She always told me that if I believe in what I do and work for the good of the public, that in itself will be rewarding. And she was right. It has been."

WHAT IS COMMUNITY COUNTS? Community Counts is The Augusta Chronicle's new collaborative effort to benefit the communities in our area. This multi-tiered program of involvement includes contests, events, sponsorships and recognition of outstanding youths, teachers, volunteers and public servants in the Augusta area. Nomination forms are available at augustachronicle.com/communitycounts, or you can contact Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikahsa.dicks@augustachronicle.com.