The Monroe County 4-H Youth Development program recently received a $75,000 grant from The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to support Growing Sustainable 4-H Clubs. The project will focus on formation of clubs and will provide support for social emotional learning and youth mental health.
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of targeted communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named in memory of a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation provides flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance health and wellness across New York State. For information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/.
Throughout the next year, the project will work to support partnerships with youth-serving community organizations throughout Monroe County. Working with community partners, community members, and youth in the community, the Monroe County 4-H Youth Development Program will hold space for people to voice their concerns around educational, emotional, and social barriers for youth. Utilizing a needs-based assessment, the 4-H team alongside community partners will set priorities and determine criteria for solutions that will create a solid framework for the startup of sustainable 4-H clubs.
4-H clubs will be formed at community organizations and supported by the 4-H team. Funding from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation will allow the 4-H team to provide supplies for each new club, modeling of 4-H activities using the positive youth development model, and continued training for community partners.
The Growing Sustainable 4-H Clubs project will support preliminary conversations, initial formation and foundation building of community driven sustainable 4-H clubs. Following completion of the project, a 4-H Club Coordinator staff position will ensure that community partners continue to receive the support that they need for ongoing success. With sustainable and accessible 4-H clubs throughout Monroe County, youth can have access to the benefits of being a 4-H participant for years to come.
“It is a thrill to offer the Growing Sustainable 4-H Clubs project in Monroe County. The 4-H Team believes deeply in the benefits of 4-H participation using the Positive Youth Development and Youth Thriving Models. During this time of public health crises, youth will benefit from their experiences in 4-H,” shares Susan Coyle, 4-H Program Leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County.
The Monroe County 4-H Program is offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension to the youth of Monroe County. 4-H is a worldwide youth development program open to all youth, ages five to 19, who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. In return, youth who participate in 4-H find a supportive environment and opportunities for hands-on or “experiential” learning about things that interest them.
To learn more about the Growing Sustainable 4-H Clubs project funded through the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, reach out to Destiny Draggett at dpd66@cornell.edu.
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