The Midland Area Youth Action Council celebrates graduates and an unconventional 2020-21 session
June 24th, 2021On Friday, May 21, 2021, the Midland Area Youth Action Council, formerly known as Midland County Youth Action Council (MCYAC), reviewed the past year’s accomplishments and honored graduating seniors. Faith Tabler, a graduating senior, served as Midland Area Youth Action Council President. The Midland Area Youth Action Council, an initiative of Midland Area Community Foundation, comprises Midland County youth between 6th through 12th grade. The Youth Action Council convenes to assess and meet the needs of young people in Midland County through grantmaking processes, community service, and engagement in local initiatives. As a result, the Youth Action Council invested over $80,000 into programs and organizations that improve the lives of youth in Midland County during the 2020-21 session.
Much of the Council’s focus in the 2020-21 session was on recovery and resilience. The Council granted funds to support physical improvements to parks in the flood-ravaged town of Sanford. Additional funds were given to support the social-emotional recovery of students in the Meridian School District. Other flood-impacted grantees included Phoenix Community Farms, the Longview Nature School, and the Chippewa Nature Center.
Additional grants expanded the Council’s reach to Midland-area families. Funds were granted to the King’s Daughters and Sons Christmas Closet, the West Midland Family Center, and the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan, who ensure Midland County families with children being cared for in Grand Rapids hospitals have a safe place to stay. The Youth Action Council was also proud to invest in the Legacy Center for Community Success’s upcoming youth needs assessment. The assessment evaluates the 40 assets laid out by the Developmental Asset Framework and risk-taking behaviors for all 6th-12th graders in Midland County.
Outgoing senior and Midland Area Youth Action Council Vice President Ellie Ingalla led the Youth Action Council Project Committee’s yearly project. This year, members assembled care packages for young people involved in the Foster Care system. Packages included blankets, art supplies, journals, and handwritten letters. The packages are designed to help kids transition between differing home environments.
“This project was so important and special because it showed support to youth [in our community],” said Ingalla. “These backpacks and letters provide resources to support them.”
The Youth Action Council will see a change in officers in the 2021-22 session. With five officers graduating, Kenny Gu will move from his current role as Grants Chair and serve as the Council’s President. Charlotte Ault will take over as Grants Chair. Sydney Thompson will assume the duties of Vice President. Zaky El-Nachef will return to the role of Secretary. Once again, Amelia Hatfield will work as the organization’s Public Relations Officer.
This news release was written by Midland Area Youth Action Council Public Relations Officer Amelia Hatfield. If you or anyone you know would like to learn more about the Youth Action Council or how to get involved in the 2020-21 cycle, please contact the Midland Area Community Foundation at 989-839-9661 or email the Youth Impact Coordinator Sara JacobsCarter at sjacobscarter@midlandfoundation.org.
