Instead of spending their free time playing video games and watching television, some young people in Hancock County choose to make a difference by volunteering.
The ENGAGE youth council—comprised of students in eighth grade through college—helps out with many community causes throughout the year. Members can be found sorting winter outerwear for the Coats for Christmas program and lending a hand with all aspects of running the Zach Morgan Memorial Soccer Tournament. Members also have the unique opportunity to evaluate local grants that impact young people.
The Findlay Hancock County Community Foundation recently transitioned the leadership of ENGAGE to the Findlay Family YMCA. Hannah Twining, the council’s adult coordinator, says ENGAGE is entirely youth-directed. “Students are constantly inundated with the demands of schools, sports, clubs, and more, and that can be stressful and exhausting,” she said. “So my goal is to be the energy and encouragement they need to pursue the issues they care about and put their ideas and words into action. These students have great potential to make a positive change in their community. And the sky is the limit.” -LW
The ENGAGE youth council meets the first Monday of the month
at 6:30pm at the downtown branch of the Findlay YMCA.
For more information, contact Twining at hetwining@gmail.com.
