YAC?helps teach valuable lessons

A group of young people has once again stepped forward to help others in our area while learning skills that will help them become tomorrow's leaders.

The Youth Advisory Committee of the Community Foundation of Jefferson County recently presented $3,100 in grants to five organizations that work with young people in our area. The presentation allowed the organization to continue its mission of improving the lives of the county's young people through the development of educational and career opportunities.

Grant money awarded this year will help many local organizations in many ways. Jefferson Behavioral Health will use its $700 to provide activities that will help build self-esteem in area children. Big Brothers Big Sisters will use its $700 to expand its mentoring program. The Jefferson County Farm Bureau will use its $500 to help it bring a traveling exhibit from the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus to the Jefferson County Fair. The $200 that was awarded to Grace Lutheran Church will help its Wednesday evening program for children. The $1,000 that was awarded to the Wells Township Haunted House will help a favorite Halloween haunt continue to operate.

Members of YAC, who come from the high schools in Jefferson County, also benefit from the process.

They raise the money that is awarded in the grants through a variety of fundraisers, the largest of which is the annual pink flamingo flocking that is conducted each spring. Once the money is raised, YAC members advertise for grant applications, review the applications and meet with officials from groups which have applied for money before determining which groups will receive money.

It's a powerful learning experience for the YAC members.

It's also a process that has been successful - the YAC has awarded more than $34,000 in grants to area organizations in the last eight years.

Foundation leadership, including Executive Director Terri Antill and board President Christine Hargrave, and YAC membership, under President Amanda Sestito of Indian Creek High School, deserve to be recognized for their efforts.

Their work helps to improve the lives of young people throughout our area.