Youth Leadership Academy Learns about Social Services
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Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy met Feb. 1 at Bowen Center where the students learned about social services in Kosciusko County.
KYLA moderator Tony Ciriello welcomed the students and introduced Kurt Carlson, president of Bowen Center. Carlson spoke about his work and the services available at Bowen Center. He also gave the history of mental health care in the country and how the treatment for patients has evolved over the years.
Bowen Center continues to hire students from area colleges to become psychologist, social workers, teachers, nurses and case managers.
United Way Executive Director Pat Coy spoke about the United Way organization and how they are responsible for raising money, evaluating the community’s needs and distributing funds to various organizations. A few of the organizations that benefit from United Way are Baker Youth Club, Teens ’N’ Tots, American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
When evaluating what organizations to support, United Way looks for programs that will help people change their lives long term.
Randy Hall, corporate vice president of Cardinal Services, spoke about services provided by Cardinal. Cardinal Services works with adults with developmental disabilities; younger children through the Head Start program; women, infants and children through the WIC program; and first-time parents through the Healthy Families program.
There are a variety of career opportunities available to help with the services that Cardinal provides. These jobs include dieticians, nurses, teachers, case workers, accountants, bookkeepers, maintenance people and bus drivers.
Kelly Bugg, family case manager from the Department of Child Services, shared information about her organization. The Department of Child Services is responsible for the safety of children. The department answers calls from a Hot Line, does home visits, and with the court system’s help decides if a child should stay in their home.
Ciriello concluded the session by challenging the students to volunteer in community organizations. Go to volunteerkosciusko.org and learn what organizations need volunteers.
Wednesday, the students will meet with past KYLA members Ayrianne Crawford, Nate Stone and Mikayla Wireman to review their Project Proud outlines.
