October 17, 2005

Today, October 15, 2005:  Jeanne Clum is the program chair.  She writes: "Our program will be the HAYAC (Howell Area Youth Assets Coalition).  Representatives from the Coalition will be sharing information about the evolvement of this organization since its inception several years ago.  The results of a 1999 national behavioral study by the Search Institute, known as the 40 Development Assets, were shocking.  Our Howell youth (6th-12th grade) ranked lower than the national average in most of the identifiable building blocks of healthy development that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.  These building blocks are based on many facets of the community and the perception of area youth.  There's been some good progress over the past six years and the attitude of our community seems to be more positive.  Our panelists will include Jeanette Freeland from the Dept. of Human Services and HAYAC Treasurer, Pete Szerszen (Secretary) and students involved in the youth leadership arm of the organization.  It is exciting to see the energy and commitment this has for our area youth and the positive impact it is making on our community.