United Way of Kenosha County is proud to partner with the University of Wisconsin Extension to support Youth As Resources (YAR). YAR is a grant-giving program that funds youth-designed and youth-led community service project in Kenosha County. We are excited to introduce Sarah Yusuf, the Vice President of YAR, as she shares about her involvement in the program.
Hear from Sarah:
"I have been involved with Youth As Resources since fall 2024. Last year with YAR, I served on the Outreach Committee where I helped find service opportunities for board members and worked to inform the community about grant opportunities through tabling events. In March, our committee promoted YAR grants at the 4-H volunteer summit and created an interactive game for attendees.
This academic year, I am serving as the Co-Chair of Outreach Committee and have also taken on the role of Vice President of YAR. As Vice President, I help prepare meeting agendas, assist the President, fulfill presidential duties in their absence, and welcome groups presenting funding requests to the board.
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Being involved in YAR has been extremely meaningful and important to me. The work we do as a board has a direct impact on our community, and it’s incredible to see those projects come to life and know that we played a part in making them happen. Having lived in Kenosha my entire life, watching these initiatives strengthen and support different parts of the community feels especially personal and rewarding.
YAR emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and advocacy. As a board, we work together to review grant proposals and ensure that funds are distributed effectively, which requires teamwork and thoughtful discussion. We facilitate meaningful conversations that prioritize the needs of our community and take initiative as youth representatives. As advocates, we use our voices to support projects that promote equity, opportunity, and positive change across Kenosha.
Through serving on the YAR board, I’ve grown so much in my confidence and leadership abilities. I’ve learned how to lead conversations, express my opinions openly, and collaborate with both youth and adults. YAR has given me a voice and shown me the power of youth involvement in creating a real, lasting difference.
One way I see empathy in action when we listen to the stories of those requesting funding support. During their presentation, we strive to understand their perspectives and find ways to help their projects succeed. We make an effort to provide constructive feedback, highlighting the strengths of their project while offering suggestions for improvement. Being part of YAR has shown me that meaningful progress begins with compassion, teamwork, and a willingness to listen.
The skills I’ve developed through YAR extend beyond the boardroom and into every area of my life. I’m heavily involved in clubs at my school and have taken on multiple leadership roles, serving on the officer teams for several organizations. I have a strong passion for science and aspire to become a surgeon someday. In pursuit of this goal, I work at Froedtert South as a CNA where I am able to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of healthcare."
You can learn more about Youth As Resources and their meaningful work here.