When it comes to addressing local challenges, there is one group of students who consistently stands out for inspiring others to get involved — Youth as Resources (YAR). Today, we would like to introduce you to three former YAR student board members: Abbey, Lauren, and Jovan who Live UNITED by sharing a passion for service and growing as leaders along the way.
- Meet Abby -
Today, we would like to introduce you to Abbey Proctor, who previously served as the president of Youth as Resources. While in high school, she served on the board for three years years. Some of Abbey’s tasks and responsibilities as YAR president included going over meeting agendas, explaining board presentations, and holding motions.
One of Abbey’s favorite memories as a board member took place during the 2021 Holiday Celebration. Abbey, alongside other YAR board members, served meals in soup kitchens. It was a great opportunity to lend a hand while learning more about other organizations in Kenosha and meeting many new people.
Abbey believes that future students should join YAR because it is a great leadership opportunity. Students can not only learn how to conduct meetings and call motions but also practice other skills like critical thinking and learning to take constructive criticism.
Abbey's plans for the future include going to college to study Biology and aspiring to become a veterinarian. Fun fact: her favorite animal is horses and she grew up riding them!
- Meet Lauren -
Today, we would like to introduce you to Lauren Palmiar who previously served as vice president of Youth as Resources (YAR). Lauren’s high school guidance counselor at St. Joseph’s Academy recommended that she applied to YAR. One submitted application and a zoom call later, Lauren was selected and welcomed to the team.
Throughout her two years as a board member, her favorite memory was participating in a service project in 2021. The entire YAR Board dressed up as cartoon characters and surprised students at local schools. She enjoyed spreading positivity and joy to others!
Lauren's future career goals consist of working in human resources or becoming a teacher. She is passionate about working with both kids and adults. Lauren gives credit to her mom for passing down a compassionate spirit. Her mom is someone who is very caring, generous and loves giving back to the community, which sparked Lauren’s own interest in giving back and being a caring person.
- Meet Jovan -
Today, we would like to introduce you to Jovan Joseph who previously served as treasurer of Youth as Resources (YAR). Before joining YAR, Jovan spent a lot of his time as a member of the Boy Scouts. Joining YAR was a new experience but with a background in service, the transition to being involved was easy. Some of his responsibilities as treasurer included tracking funding costs, voting on grant fund allocations, and helping manage overall expenses.
Jovan loved being part of Youth as Resources, and believes you should join too! He thinks serving as a YAR board member is a great way to help give back to the community, and inspire other children and teens to get involved.
Are you a student? Get involved!
Did you know Youth As Resources (YAR) is currently accepting grant applications to receive funding for the 2024-2025 school year. Students interested in having a positive impact in our community are welcome to submit their service project ideas for the opportunity to receive up to $500 in funding.
For more information and to get involved, visit kenosha.extension.wisc.edu/youth/yar
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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. 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