DANVILLE — Youth as Resources celebrated its fall grant cycle with a kick-off event. The organization is helping to support 15 youth-led projects totaling $8,727.24 in Hendricks County.

To help support the program, Vectren presented a check for $5,000 to help offer even more grants within the community.

“It is inspiring to see the work of Youth as Resources throughout our Central Indiana communities,” said Vectren Sr. Operations Supervisor Shane Alexander. “Getting youth involved in giving back to their communities at an early age helps lead to a future of strong community leaders, and we are proud to support this effort.”

Alexander presented an oversized check to Morgan Weller, a member of the YAR Action Board, and Christy McIntyre-Craig, director of the Youth as Resources program in Hendricks County, during the event.

YAR challenges youth to identify community needs and design projects that use their skills, creativity, and energy to help others in the community, then awards them small grants to implement their ideas. YAR serves Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, and Morgan counties.

Weller and fellow board member Mikala Freeland served as the master of ceremonies during the kick-off event. They are both in their fourth year on the board.

“I really enjoy seeing the progress on each project,” Weller said. “I like to follow up and see the actual impact they had.”

Freeland is not only a board member — she is also a grantee as a member of the Danville Community High School Student Council.

“I get to see what goes on behind the scenes on the board and I get to work on projects,” Freeland said. “It’s very nice to see how the money gets used.”

The projects funded in this cycle are:

Backpack for Lunches: $1,000

Saint Susanna Student Council members learned that a vital program at St. Marks was about to be eliminated. The program packs weekend meals for hungry children. Student council members have stepped up to ensure that 115 children will have meals weekly in October and November. 

Blooming Brownsburg: $477.10

Brownsburg Key Club members are concerned that the school’s courtyard is not being managed properly due to school budget cuts. The students plan to landscape the area to boost school pride.

Breathe: $500

Girls Scout Troop 429 is partnering with the Plainfield Parks Department to plant a tulip tree. The girls will also author and illustrate an environmental book and host an educational program for 100 first-graders.

Brentwood Reading: $352.40

Girl Scout Troop 1234 has partnered with Brentwood Elementary School to create an outdoor reading area outside the library. This reading area will be used by students, teachers, ReadUP tutors, and volunteers. The girls will plant and mulch the area.

Cases for Hunter: $833.36

A Girl Scout troop will make 100 pillow cases in honor of Hunter, a young person who lost his life to leukemia in 2008. The project will include a workshop where older Girl Scouts will teach younger Girl Scouts how to sew pillow cases. The girls hope to build confidence in teaching while making a difference for sick children at Riley Hospital for Children.

Great Food from Great Soil: $500

The Maple Grove Elementary Student Council decided to take action to stop the closing of the Avon Outdoor Learning Center (OLC). When the Avon referendum didn’t pass, tough decisions were made. The student leaders decided to take over the operations and are focused on expanding the gardens and restoring the soil.

Hist Art: $575.93

A group of students from Brownsburg High School have created an adaptive art program that will operate in partnership with the local library, Sketchpad Studio, and East Middle School. The students will provide classes for children with autism. The project will end with a gallery celebration.

Merry Christmas Bowling Tournament: $450

St. Malachy National Honor Society members are planning a hot fried chicken meal for members of the Hendricks County Senior Center. The group will enjoy their visit with a Wii Bowling activity.

Rocking for Life: $1,000

The Mental Health of America Hendricks County Youth Council is planning the second annual Rocking for Life concert. Last year’s concert had more than 150 participants and resulted in an intervention, saving a teen’s life. This year’s event will include short stories from teens, a Jason Foundation presentation, and counselors on site to provide support.

Seniors Follow the Yellow Brick Road: $750

At 6 p.m. March 22, youth leaders from Danville Community High School will host a chicken and noodle dinner for senior citizens. Guests will be treated to the premier of the school’s next musical.

Seniors Serving Seniors: $297.64

The Danville Community High School National Honors Society will prepare a spaghetti dinner and bingo night at the Hendricks County Senior Services. The goal of the project is to bridge the gap between generations and break down stereotypes of teens.

The Smiley Face Club: $500

Students from Sycamore Elementary School have a goal to help the elderly live better lives by visiting them twice during the school day and weekly after school. The club will play bingo, read books, sing songs, and make crafts. The project will celebrate with their older friends by watching the Avon Aerials Orioles.

S.O.A.R (Serving Others Always Rocks): $376.96

A Girl Scout troop has partnered with three organizations — Project Andy, Outreach, and Safe Families — to provide food, school supplies, and other necessities to homeless children.

Team Galatians: $255

The Sheltering Wings Youth Council goal is to prevent, educate, and inform teens about teen dating violence. This council has planned a holiday party on Dec. 1 including games, crafts, and snow cones. The program includes a special “wish tree” to help connect children and let them realize they are not alone.

Where Beauty Takes Flight: $858.85

The Bruins Tri-West Service Learning Club will create a butterfly garden with a fence at McCloud Nature Park in North Salem. The students have researched plants and have a plan ready to execute. The park will distribute a flyer to educate visitors about butterfly gardens.

For more information about YAR, email McIntyre-Craig at christy.mcintyrecraig@uwci.org or call 745-0310. More information is also available online at www.uwci.org.

brenda.holmes@flyergroup.com