Michigan 4-H Youth Development


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Volume 13, Number 2, Fall 2002

Southwest Region Ambassador project helps Starr Commonwealth
By Michelle Collins

Photo courtesy of Michelle Collins, Lenawee County 4-H agent. Southwest 4-H Centennial Ambassadors collected more than $1500 in books, resources and videos to donate to Starr Commonwealth of Albion. Nineteen youth and adult volunteers of the Southwest Region 4-H centennial ambassador team chose to help Starr Commonwealth of Albion, for their centennial community service project.
Starr Commonwealth is a private, not-for-profit child and family service that reaches out to homes, schools and communities to help youth in at-risk situations. Each year more than 7,000 young people and their families turn to Starr Commonwealth for assistance and guidance.

Starr Commonwealth needed help to expand its library and literacy program. The Southwest Region ambassadors took Starr Commonwealth’s library wish list and set about acquiring books, resources and videos. They received many donations from local 4-H clubs, businesses and volunteers for their project.

On May 23, 2002, the Southwest Region 4-H centennial ambassadors presented more than $1500 in books, resources and videos to the youth and staff members of Starr Commonwealth. More than 100 people attended.

“Donating these books was incredibly generous, and I think you all deserve a standing ovation!” said Brandon, a youth from Starr Commonwealth.

Cindy Shinsky, director of special education for the Calhoun Intermediate School District, works very closely with Starr Commonwealth.“With a new library, this is very exciting for us,” she said. “Our kids are starting to get excited about reading!”

“It felt incredible to help other young people—I am so proud of us!” said Alissa Schafer, Ingham County 4-H member.

Members of the Southwest Region centennial ambassador team who coordinated this project are Lisa Thomp-son, Megan Wiggins and Amber Hassinger from Cass County; Teresa Traylor, Sandra Rodgers, Jennifer Traylor, Danyelle Rodgers, Katie Slusher and Shelly Dickinson from Hillsdale County; Alissa Schafer, Rachel Bean and Cris Bean from Ingham County; Jennifer Klein, Laura Klein, Patrick Robinson, Martin Yost and Melissa Fink from St. Joseph County; and Jimmy Hollis and Casey Tripp from Van Buren County.

Michelle Collins is the 4-H youth agent in Lenawee County.

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