Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) wrapped up another year with over $48,000 awarded to 11 local youth serving organizations and schools.
Our YACers saw their fair share of changes and challenges this year, but like other COVID-era teens, they rolled with the punches. Unable to meet in person since early 2020, the group had to learn how to adjust to virtual meetings and find creative ways to connect with each other and serve their community.
In addition to their grant making, they worked with other YACs via Zoom on a regional service project- creating cards and fleece blankets for local hospitals and health care workers over the winter. They also completed virtual training from Safe Horizons on Dating Violence and created graphics and videos to helped spread the word to their peers about the dangers of unhealthy dating practices.
As the school year came to an end, YAC said goodbye and good luck to their six graduating seniors- Rachel, Zak, Maggie, Quinn, Katie and Kaitlyn. We know the future is bright for these great role models and students! Before they head off to college with their prestigious local scholarships and leadership experience, they took time to reflect on their years in YAC and how it impacted their lives.
Rachel Green
Member at Large- 4 years in YAC
Attending Central Michigan University- Accounting
Something that I experienced that impacted me the most was seeing the passion that so many people have toward the projects that YAC is able to fund. I love hearing the grant evaluations and seeing how our money that we granted was used and how many people have been impacted by our actions.
Zak Kerhoulas
President- 3 years in YAC
Attending University of Michigan- College of Engineering
I think the most significant thing I learned during my time with YAC was the importance of creating meaningful connections with those around you. While in YAC, I have met so many amazing people; whether those were leaders in the community, community members impacted by our work or my fellow YAC members. Every time I met someone new I was so intrigued to hear the story of their involvement in the community, and I would always try to make a connection with them.
Maggie-Claire Lomasney
4 years in YAC
Attending University of Michigan- Biology, Health & Society
The biggest thing that I have learned in YAC is how to look at situations from different perspectives - this is a skill I utilize in both my personal and professional life, and value greatly.
Quinn Schwarz
3 years in YAC
Attending Ohio State University- Environmental Engineering
The moment where I was really able to see the good we were doing in the community was when I visited difference makers. It was really cool to hear the stories that they had and the steps they were taking to better themselves.
Katie Touma
4 years in YAC
Attending University of Michigan= Chemistry
Getting to work with so many wonderful people and further my leadership skills has been the most impactful experience from YAC, aside from helping and bettering my community.
Kaitlyn Winzer
4 years in YAC
Attending Michigan State University- Packaging Engineering
I learned more about how I love to give back and learning new ways to give back. I was able to understand that many global issues were happening in my own community and that I could help to fix them.