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Lenawee Community Foundation: Lenawee YOUTH Council offers opportunities to serve

Whitney Lilly
Lenawee Community Foundation

The Lenawee YOUTH Council provides an amazing opportunity for middle and high school-age individuals to make a real impact on their community. Here in Lenawee County, the YOUTH Council, which is a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, offers many avenues for youth engagement. Through their many activities they focus on volunteerism, philanthropy education and a grant process. The council encourages a spirit of service and empowerment among its members. 

Whitney Lilly

Participating in events such as Global Youth Service Day, the Clothesline Project, Make a Difference Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the YOUTH Council members tackle pressing issues within the community. In addition to these projects, the council is involved in local programs that address the diverse needs and interests of the community. Whether it’s Ahisma and its animals, face-painting activities at the Cinco de Mayo Celebration, supporting Keep Lenawee Warm, the Sock Tree at Christmas or collaborating with the Lenawee Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, the council’s work is all about serving people and their needs. 

One of the pillars of the Lenawee YOUTH Council’s impact lies in its grant-making process. Members learn to read, evaluate and distribute funds to deserving organizations and projects. Seeing the direct results of their contributions, whether it is in supporting libraries, food pantries, skate parks or soccer fields, the feeling of pride and accomplishment is so rewarding.  

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There is still time to join us. Starting in May and continuing this summer we will be volunteering with the Clothesline Project, Migrant Health Fair, Back to School projects, college visits and seeing "Newsies" at the Croswell Opera House.   

The Lenawee YOUTH Council offers a community of Lenawee County students that build friendships, develop  passions and grow personally. It’s open to anyone with a heart for service, a love for community and a desire to effect positive change. Joining the Lenawee YOUTH Council will be a decision you won’t regret! Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the evening. Reach out to Paula Trentman at the Lenawee Community Foundation to seize that opportunity for meaningful contribution at 517-263-4696 or paula@lenaweecf.com. We can’t wait for you to join our team!

Do you want to get involved or learn more? Contact the Lenawee Community Foundation at 517-263-4696 or forlenawee@lenaweecf.com

Whitney Lilly is a senior at Lenawee Christian School. Paula Trentman serves as vice president and director of grants and programs of the Lenawee Community Foundation. Your community foundation assists individuals, corporations and organizations in fulfilling their charitable goals for our community. For information about how your business, any group, your family or you can volunteer to build a better community, call 517-263-4696 or contactforlenawee@lenaweecf.com. We would be delighted to be of service as you invest time, talent, and treasure now and forever.