The nonprofit coalition is nearly out of operating money and isn’t able to continue without it. Originally starting with a grant from the Catholic Health Initiatives Mission and Ministry grant in 2003, those funds are about to run out.
Although the organization has received grants for other aspects, it hasn’t been successful in getting similar funding for operating costs. Although it helps run the annual Mercy Community Sale, all that money goes back to different organizations in Williston, not to HWHY.
“It’s hard to find grants for operating expenses,” said Cressi McClellan, grant administration assistant for HWHY.
Healthy Williston, Healthy Youth is committed to encourage, empower and support Williston’s youth through developmental asset building. Developmental assets are sets of positive qualities, skills, experiences and opportunities that are critical for children and adolescents. Through the Mercy Community Sale, HWHY has given more than $270,000 since its inception to youth-related organizations. These recipients include Eckert Youth Foundation, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Youth Education on Stage, Williston Parks and Recreation and to District 1 and District 8 schools.
It also sends out surveys every three years to students in grades 6-12 that ask how they’re doing with the 40 developmental assets. The survey is a reflection of how the community is doing, said Rex McCaughtry, chairman of the HWHY steering committee.
“It’s a measure of how good the adults of the community are doing,” he said.
The steering committee consists of eight people, including Doug Black. He’s been involved with the coalition since it was started, as Black said HWHY is for everyone, not just the youth.
“It makes the community better. The youth will end up being leaders that will make the community that much stronger down the road,” Black said.
Williston Mayor Ward Koeser is a steering committee member who believes in the importance of building assets in the city’s youth. Among the 40 assets children need to succeed are family support, caring neighborhoods and schools, safety and self-esteem.
“We really need to build assets with youth,” Koeser said.
Healthy Williston, Healthy Youth is turning to individuals and businesses for financial assistance, and has sent out letters to businesses. The letter states it needs $48,000 a year for day-to-day operating expenses, marketing, training and educational materials for the schools and community.
McClellan hopes the community realizes the impact HWHY has and that it may persuade people to donate.
“I’m a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child. I’d like to know my children are raised in a community that’s supporting them,” McClellan said.
For more information, call HWHY at 774-7417.
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