Welcome to Youth Count!

 Youth Count focuses on educating and engaging our community members in building the 40 Developmental Assets ™ The 40 Assets are the experiences, behaviors and attitudes that help our young people succeed in life.  

As you browse through pages of this website consider how YOU can become involved in asset building – it’s easier than you think!

Thank you for leaving your comments on our blog.  

 40 Assets and 4o Developmental Assets are a trademark of Search Institute www.search-institute.org. 

Let’s make 2014 the best year ever for our young people!

For many southern Indiana schools … this week marks the end of the 2012/13 school year.  Be safe, have fun, enjoy … and keep learning!

Thank a Youth Worker Day

Today – May 2, 2013, is Thank a Youth Worker Day.  If you are a Youth Worker, whether by vocation or avocation, whether formally or informally, THANK YOU for caring for our young people!

Upcoming Youth Count Community Meeting

Working with youth in group settings of varying ages can often be a challenging task.  Melissa Merida, Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator, will present  “Ages & Stages: Working Together to Learn”. This hands-on experience will lead participants through awareness of the various learning stages and how to plan activities and lessons that allow mixed age groups to learn together.  The public is invited to this no cost meeting; join us on Friday, April 26, 12:00 Noon in the lower level conference room at the Cancer Care Center, 2210 Green Valley Road in New Albany.  Bring your lunch to this noontime meeting.  Dessert will be provided.

Next Youth Count Community Meeting: “Season of Giving”

The next Youth Count Community Meeting – open to the public – is scheduled for Friday, November 16, 2012, 12:00 – 1:15PM.  Youth Count is partnering with Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana to to provide you with a variety of resources, including lunch, as we discuss how we maximize the 100 Best Communities for Young People recognition to provide the very best for our youth.

Floyd County – one of America’s Promise Alliance 100 Best Communities for Young People!

At today’s live webcast from Washington D.C., America’s Promise Alliance announced the winners of their 100 Best Communities for Young People competition.  For the second year, Floyd County, Indiana was selected as one of the winning communities.

Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County – Thanks once again!

Thank you for once again for providing support to Youth Count … and to the many ways you support youth through grants and scholarships!

Tips for Boosting Back to School Success

1. Set a schedule now New teachers, classmates, homework and other challenges may create some apprehension and nervousness during the first couple weeks of school. Stay positive and explain that some anxiety is normal and that everyone needs time to adjust to new things.

2. Shop for school supplies together Seeing all the new trends and designs that stores have to offer for back-to-school supplies can be really exciting for children. Allow them to personalize their supplies and feel excited about using them. A few new outfits also provide kids with a boost of encouragement and confidence for the new school year.
3. Hold a family celebration Start an annual tradition that celebrates the start of the school year. For exam-ple, have a family cookout with hotdogs and s’mores tarts. This helps build excitement for the new school year, but also gives them a relaxed setting to talk about any back-to-school anxiety they may be feeling.
4. Set up a homework area This area should be organized, quiet and well-lit. You should also allow your child to personalize this space to make it more appealing and fun, without pro-viding distractions.
5. Stock up on a variety of sensible, wholesome, non-perishable snacks.

Visit us on FaceBook

Be sure you visit us on FaceBook … and spread the word about our work to help children and youth succeed:

#1 Click “Like” on our page

and

#2 “Share” when you read an important message.

 

Jerry Finn receives Indiana University Southeast Distinguished Alumni Award

Congratulations to Jerry Finn, Executive Director of the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County and a long time youth advocate.  A founding member of the Youth Count initiative, was recently named this year’s Indiana University Southeast Distinguished Alumni Award winner. Finn received two undergraduate degrees from IU Southeast, where he said the confidence from staff members helped drive what he does now.  Jerry also serves on the New Albany-Floyd County Education Foundation, is a member of the Governance and the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana Steering Committee.