Youth Advisory Council Impacts Peers and Community through Philanthropy

As the 2024–2025 YAC program year comes to a close, we're excited to reflect on the remarkable impact our youth have made. In the midst of a fast-paced world, it's inspiring to pause and celebrate the dedication, growth, and meaningful contributions of these young leaders.

2024 Summer Conference

For the first time in several years, some of BCCF's YAC members volunteered to be part of the YAC Summer Conference at Central Michigan University. This conference gives youth across the state an opportunity to come together to share ideas and the work that they do in their communities and take a deeper dive into philanthropy.

Needs Assessment

Every two years, YAC presents a survey that is open to all students in Branch County and Colon, getting their input on the main issues the youth in our community are facing today. With over 200 students responding, the top priorities among youth through this year's needs assessment are mental health & wellbeing, bullying & cyberbullying, and substance abuse. The needs assessment helps YAC determine areas of impact when selecting recipients during their grant cycle in January.

Pottery with the Board

Every fall, the youth have an opportunity to come together with the adult Board. Board members joined the YAC group for lunch and pottery painting at the Chameleon Pottery Studio, which also benefits the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, a BCCF partner. This event was a great afternoon of bonding for the adult board members and youth to share their experiences in philanthropy.

Christmas Shopping

Every winter, YAC comes together at Meijer to shop for gifts to support children in our service area who may not receive gifts or support through other programs during the holidays. They also love taking part in gift wrapping so every child has a memorable experience opening their gifts! YAC students were able to provide presents to 18 children in Branch County & Colon, a mix of necessities and fun gifts to enjoy for Christmas. Meijer also supported this project by donating $200 towards the event to help increase the available budget for spending.

Grant Cycle

After the Youth Advisory Council Grant Cycle in January, the students come together to review applications for funding and interview groups about their projects to determine which projects fit the needs of youth in our community. Through the 2025 grant cycle, a total of $24,280 was awarded to 8 different projects in Branch County. Below are the selected YAC grant recipients:

• Branch County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

• Branch County Head Start

• Branch ISD CORE

• Branch ISD Early Education

• Coldwater Band Boosters

• Branch County Night to Shine

• Oasis of Love Family Church

• Peer to Peer - Branch ISD

6th Grade Presentations

In the fall, YAC members presented to three 6th grade classrooms in Branch County; Quincy, St. Charles, and Pansophia. This presentation educates our young community on philanthropy and the impact of giving. After the presentation, the 6th graders choose a non-profit in the service area to donate $250. The non-profits who received donations were Tibbits Opera House, Branch Area Food Pantry, and the Humane Society. The 6th grade classes were also granted $250 for participating. Through this outreach, YAC hopes to inspire young minds to get involved in philanthropy and see the good they can do in the community. Next year's presentations will be held at Bronson, Colon, and Union City.

Hygiene Kits

Preparing hygiene kits for local students has been a beloved spring service project for the Youth Advisory Council for many years. Partnership continues between YAC and Insight Coldwater Regional Telemedicine Clinics, Union City & Colon schools, as well as the BACC counseling staff to provide hygiene kits for students. The kits are packaged by YAC members with the hope of providing easy access to necessities for their peers in need. The kits contain a variety of items like deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, soap, lotion, sunscreen, hair brushes, toothbrushes & toothpaste. This year, extra donations of individually wrapped food items were added, such as pretzels and granola bars to help fight food insecurities among students.

2025 Senior Recognition

This year, we recognized four seniors who contributed to the Youth Advisory Council. Each senior has left a positive mark on YAC and we know they each have bright and successful futures ahead.

• Norah VanWagner, 5 years of service - attending Kellogg Community College

• Kailynne Scare, 1 year of service - attending Trine University

• Abby Hicks, 1 year of service - attending Michigan State University

• Paige Scott, 1 year of service - attending Michigan State University

2025-2026 YAC Officers

At the end of every year, members each place votes to decide who will hold the YAC Officer positions for the upcoming year. Congratulations to the Youth Advisory Council Officers for the 2025-2026 year!

• Janet Rucker - President

• Morgan Baker - Vice President

• Nathan Richer - Secretary

• Reuben Fronczak - Treasurer

• Carly Krzyanski - Historian

The 2024-2025 program year has been a year of growth and uplifting youth in the community. The Youth Advisory Council is a dedicated group of students who play a key role in supporting the future of Branch County & Colon and we look forward to next year!

YAC is currently accpeting applications for the upcoming program year!

Anybody interested in joining YAC for the 2025-2026 school year is encouraged to visit our website at www.BrCoFoundation.org/yac and apply today!