YOUTH VOLUNTEERS DEDICATE WEEKEND TO SERVICE

Youth As Resources volunteers dedicated the weekend before Christmas to community service projects. Youth volunteers chose to focus their efforts this holiday season collecting food pantry items and assisting with the Red Kettle Campaign for SENCA (Southeast Nebraska Community Action Council, Inc.) 

"I tell them they are the leaders. The project must be youth led, giving them choice and ownership, and it must meet a need in the community. I'm just there to guide them along," says Vanessa Sherman, YAR Coordinator.

Youth collected food pantry items at Food Pride totaling over $200 in food, non-food items and cash donations. Red kettle contributions totaled more than $500 while ringing bells outside the Wal-Mart location. Altogether, more than 100 hours of volunteer service were contributed by youth volunteers. "It felt good to be part of something that was helping other people," said Tyler, YAR volunteer.

Youth As Resources volunteers would like to thank Food Pride for their partnership in making this event a great success and thank everyone that donated at the Food Pride and Wal-Mart locations that weekend.

If you would like more information about SENCA and the services provided to area youth and families you may contact Rena at 873-6459. If you wish to learn more about the Youth As Resources Program and upcoming service opportunities contact  Vanessa Sherman at Partners for Otoe County, 873-6346.

United Against Violence Group to Meet January 11th

United Vision Statement:  Kind Words + Safe Hands =  Violence Prevention

Mission Statement:  United Against Violence promotes the power of positive actions and provides the tools necessary for a life free of violence.

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Thank youfor your past participation or interest in the United Against Violence initiative for Otoe County.

During the June, November and December meetings, the Primary Violence Prevention Plan has been worked on in sections.  The January 11^th meeting will provide an opportunity to look at the plan as one unit.  The goal of the meeting is to determine if the plan still makes sense for Otoe County and decide if we can actually implement the strategies we included in the plan or do we need to make changes before moving into action planning in February.

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, January 11^th

8 - 11:30 am

Nebraska City Center for Children and Families

917 Wildwood Lane

Nebraska City, NE 68410

(Parking lot is connected to the Wildwood Golf Course' parking lot)

Lunch provided:  Parker's Smokehouse

Please RSVP by: Friday, January 7^th

^{to Traci Reuter at 873-8937.}