The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
UWLC Youth United Way program gives 5K to community
Another fruitful Youth United Way of Lake County initiative has come to a close, continuing to build off the success of its past years.
The campaign, running from January until April, was comprised of six program sessions, complete with various on-site visits, allowing 21 students from 10 local high schools to determine which of the 19 total programs from 10 nonprofit agencies to fund. The program is put on by Young Leaders of United Way of Lake County, with the funds allocated from its budget.
The students ultimately chose Lake County Free Clinic and End 68 Hours of Hunger to receive the allotment of $5,000. Youth United’s 2017 allocation broke down as such:
• $2,250 — Lake County Free Clinic’s Acute Medial Program
• $1,250 — Lake County Free Clinic’s Prescription Assistance Program
• $1,000 — End 68 Hours of Hunger
• $500 — Lake County Free Clinic’s Dental Program
Young Leaders of UWLC Vice-chair and Wickliffe resident Tom Brew said the mini civic immersion program educates high school students, helping them gain new perspective about their own community.
“Our participating students truly engage in the process of learning about the local agencies, programs they offer, themselves and how they can truly make a difference, even at a younger age,” he said. “By developing a sense social responsibility, the program also helps provide another layer of committed community members long into the future.
“As a result of our deliberation, this year’s students cared deeply about healthcare and hunger,” he said. “Our discussion acknowledged how these two topics affect the community and even personally in their own lives. The programs from the Lake County Free Clinic and End 68 Hours of Hunger were chosen by the students to make the biggest impact possible and we couldn’t be prouder of their decisions. This program offers lasting lifetime experiences for all involved.”
Six weeks of mobilizing resources, evaluating programs and determining which agency/organization would receive the funding wasn’t a flippant or hurried decision. The 21 students, an increase of six from last year, deliberated for over two hours on April 9.
“They’re so passionate and challenged each other’s opinions,” said UWLC Resource Development Associate Jodi Matsko. “A lot of the students weren’t
“By developing a sense social responsibility, the program also helps provide another layer of committed community members long into the future.” — Tom Brew, Young Leaders of UWLC Vice-chair and Wickliffe resident
aware of so many different issues in the community. The program really mimics our evaluation and investment panels that make the decisions for big United Way, and what would make the most impact in the community. While participating, the students engage in leadership activities and work on strengthening those skills.
“They chose Lake County Free Clinic, impressed by the turnover, a 10 to one (dollar) stretch on services,” she added. “Also, it was named the top free clinic in the state.”
UWLC Director of Marketing and Communications Tami Lewis believes the students also learn to realize just how impactful their efforts as young people can benefit the community as a whole.
“The students are able to see first-hand the challenges and issues faced by so many — it’s a real eyeopener,” Lewis said. “This helps them develop empathy through the process of collaboration and problemsolving. They take it very seriously.
“And while learning how the power of one has an impact on the community, they also witness the huge power of collaboration, not only with each other but also with our partner agencies.”
United Way of Lake County’s 2016 Campaign Chair Scott Marn said the Youth United Way program empowers students with facing familiar reallife decisions on an annual basis.
“It gives students the opportunity to develop (these) skills early in life. As the father of two sons, I know how very important this is.”
UWLC President and CEO of Jennifer McCarty expressed pride in the students, past and present, on what they continue to accomplish.
“The program helps build future leaders for our community, and students learn the impact one person can make in Lake County. They learn the power of collaboration and how by working together with our partner agencies we’re helping to uplift others and build a stronger community.”
Registration for the Youth United Way 2018 program will begin in November.