Engaging in community service provides youth with the opportunity to become active members of their community and has a lasting, positive impact on society at large. Community service or volunteerism enables youth to acquire life skills and knowledge, as well as provide a service to those who need it most.

The Women’s Crisis Center, located in N. Ky., is a non-profit organization that helps women and children leave abusive relationships by giving them a safe place to live while they get on their feet. They provide housing, food, clothing, job skill training, and other life skill training. The women and children in many instances leave their home with nothing but what they are wearing.

The Boone County Extension Service partnered with the Women’s Crisis Center to have 4-H youth work on projects during COVID to be delivered to a group residence home. Thirteen 4-H members participated in the four-part monthly project focusing on a different project each month. The projects were: no-sew fleece blanket; homemade lip balm; no-sew fleece pillow; and a succulent planter.

When surveyed the participants stated: “I’m glad to be able to give to someone in need; It was a great time to be working on projects due to COVID” and one participant bragged to her older brother that she was helping other people.

Community service affords doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. The role as a volunteer gives a sense of pride and identity and volunteering increases self-confidence.