Many people have a cause close to their hearts that they care about. It’s taking the next step to get involved, step up, and take action that does not always come so naturally. There is one group of students, however, who consistently rise to action to address our community’s needs — Youth as Resources (YAR). Today, we would like to introduce you to two student board members: Ella and Nina who Live UNITED by sharing a passion for service and for our community.
– Meet Ella –
Ella Sager currently serves as president of YAR, stepping up to the executive board position in just her second year of service to the board. Taking on a leadership position, however, is not unfamiliar to Ella as she has previously served as the secretary.
One of Ella’s favorite memories from her involvement in YAR so far is volunteering at the ELCA Outreach Center’s winter party. During the event, not only was she able to lend a hand and help local families, but she also got to know and bond with the other YAR board members.
“Youth as Resources is a great opportunity for students to gain useful skills that future colleges and jobs look for,” says Ella S., Youth As Resources president. “Students gain experience with skills such as community service, leadership, public speaking, and self-confidence.”
Being involved with YAR has helped Ella develop and succeed in these leadership skills.
Outside of YAR, Ella loves science — she is interested in biology and chemistry. Her future career goal is even to become a veterinarian. FUN FACT: Ella’s favorite animal is goats. She has six goats!
– Meet Nina –
Nina Lall has also stepped up to lead in her role on the YAR board and as a member of the group’s outreach committee. As a high school senior, Nina is no stranger to taking the lead. Her transition to becoming involved with Youth as Resources came naturally last school year because of her prior experience with Girl Scouts and Student Council.
Some of her tasks as a YAR board member involve creating Instagram posts, sharing information on grant opportunities, other outreach tasks, and, of course, lending a hand with various community service events.
“One of my favorite memories with YAR so far is when we helped kids create crafts and did face painting at a local Christmas party,” says Nina L., YAR board member. “We grew a lot closer as a board from participating in this service project!”
Nina encourages future student leaders to join Youth as Resources because it is a great opportunity to build leadership skills, boost self-confidence, work as a team, and increase speaking skills.
As for Nina’s future career goals, she plans to attend college and become a nurse. She loves working with children, and loves to help others too.
Are you a student? Share your passion for service!
Did you know Youth As Resources (YAR) is currently accepting application for the 2024-2025 board? Students interested in having a positive impact in our community are welcome to apply.
YAR leaders help fund community service projects and participate in projects they are passionate about. For more information and to get involved, visit kenosha.extension.wisc.edu/youth/yar
Kenosha County Youth as Resources was developed out of a need – a need to make the youth of Kenosha County feel more connected to their community.
YAR is youth-led board and a grant-giving program that funds youth-designed community service projects in Kenosha County. Youth, with guidance from adults, design projects to address a community need and apply to YAR grants, which are awarded up to $500 to fund supplies for the project. The Youth as Resources Board reads all applications, invites youth groups to present project proposals, and allocates funds.
Get involved today by visiting: kenosha.extension.wisc.edu/youth/yar
Kenosha County Youth As Resources is a program of Extension Kenosha County in partnership with United Way of Kenosha County. United Way of Kenosha County provides grant funds to Youth As Resources. If you are interested in furthering the impact of Youth As Resources, make a gift by contacting Carolynn Friesch, UWKC Chief Executive Officer, at cfriesch@kenoshaunitedway.org or call (262) 658-4104.