For good. For ever.
Youth First
YOUTH FIRST
It's an exciting time for the Foundation's newest initiative! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Youth First, it is the product of more than two years of investigative research and strategic planning to determine the most effective and efficient means to serve the youth development and recreation needs of children across Saginaw County.
In May 2007, members of the volunteer-driven Operation Recreation Committee, including Renee Johnston, Joe Madison and Hurley Coleman, published a 203-page strategic plan that outlined a detailed approach to planning and promoting positive programs.
In November 2007, Youth First was identified as an initiative of the Saginaw Community Foundation. In September 2008, SCF implemented an after-school pilot program at two Saginaw County elementary schools - Carrollton Elementary in Carrollton Township and C.C. Coulter Elementary in Saginaw. The program focused on meeting the developmental needs of students and offering them opportunities for leadership and community service. Because of a $2.25 million grant from the Michigan Department of Education, Youth First has expanded its reach and currently operates at two new sites - Henry Doerr Child Development Center in Saginaw and Martin G. Atkins Elementary School in Bridgeport Township. In addition to the grant, the Wickes Foundation has agreed to privately support a new program at Merrill Elementary School in Merrill.
Each school convenes a Youth Advisory Council which consists of a board of directors who represent their peers and guides Youth First programming. Council members select a list of engaged community partners from a vendor catalog who deliver quality programming across a range of activity focus groups. Themes such as life skills, nutrition, career exploration, and arts and culture join with sports, fitness, and recreation for a complete approach to youth development. In all, ten activity focus categories offer youth expanded opportunities to learn and grow.
Modeled after the Bridges to the Future program in Genesee County, but adapted to fit the unique needs of the individual schools and communities of Saginaw County, Youth First is a positive program centered on collaboration and cooperation. The Youth First mission is "to preserve, enhance, and expand character-building and recreational opportunities for Saginaw County youth that will help them achieve their potential as individuals and citizens of our community.” Our pilot program is just one of the ways we'll fulfill that mission.
For more information on any of the Youth First projects or to find out how you can help, contact Youth First Coordinator Christine Benecke at (989) 755-0545 or christine@saginawfoundation.org.
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