2019 Rogers Scholar Abbi Young of Clinton County is challenging her community to be a source of joy in a time of uncertainty.
Young, a student at Clinton County High School, organized “Seven Days of Service” project to encourage community members to show love to those who need it the most. Each participant selected a friend, relative, or someone in need to carry out random acts of kindness each day from May 31 through June 6, 2020.
“To me, this week was more than seven days, and this project was more than just serving,” Young said. “The project created relationships, displayed great love, and for seven days inspired community members, and members of communities elsewhere, to be a part of something greater than themselves. It inspired the concept ‘Be The Good,” my framework for the project, an idea that I hope continues on long after the seven days ended.”
She partnered with local leaders and community members, including Stony Point Baptist Church WMU, Clinton County Cooperative Extension Office, Kentucky Retired Teachers Association in Clinton County, and Clinton County schools, to serve approximately 113 individuals through the project.
“As the community partner agency that Abbi selected to brainstorm her project with, I couldn’t be prouder of the organization, motivation, and heart she put into the work,” said supporter Christy Nuetzman of the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Office. “She came to me with a plan, and just needed a little guidance and perspective from someone who plans community engagement events on a regular basis. Abi was able to get buy-in for her project, because people saw her passion and knew she was committed to it personally. It was a great success for all involved.”
Each graduate of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program is required to complete a community service project. For more information about Rogers Scholars, visit www.centeryouthprograms.com.