The Power of Youth lended a helping hand to their community on July 28, 2010 by awarding four grants to organizations that provide services and support to the youth of Porter County. 
The Power of Youth Council is part of the Porter County United Way's effort to promote healthy youth development through hands-on experience and education about the nonprofit environment of Porter County. The council is made up of three students from each of Porter County's 9 high schools and engage the community as leaders and role models and display positive decision-making. They were able to raise nearly $7000 for local nonprofit organizations, and the council themselves decided which organization would receive the grants.
The Portage Township YMCA received $1000 for their program, "Afternoon Rocks", which provides interaction and education for youth with constant incentive to promote positive behavior. Discoveries Unlimited was chosen for a $2300 grant for their mentoring program for middle school girls. The goal of the program 
is to fill young girls with the knowledge and self-confidence they need to discover their unlimited potential. A $1036 grant was awarded to the Valparaiso Parks and Recreation for their day camp program and a $2500 grant was awarded to the Visiting Nurse Association for their Center for Grief and Healing, which is part of a prevention program that provides an outlet for children and teens who suffer the loss of a loved one.
The ceremony was also a chance to say goodbye to graduating seniors who were going off to college and leaving their Power of Youth comrades. They were thanked for their service by Mayor of Valparaiso, Jon Costas, as well as Porter County Sheriff, David Lain. The seniors were Kira Gearin, Elizabeth Johnston, Alec Turner, Luke Morgan, and Kyle Ribordy. Thanks for service to our community, seniors!
For more information about Power of Youth, you can visit www.unitedwaypc.org or email laurieg@unitedwaypc.org.
To watch a video from the grant awarding ceremony, click here.