Carroll County 4-H Needs Your Input!

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Program Coordinator, 4-H & Youth

It’s no secret our state is experiencing “financial stress”, and many organizations in our neighborhoods have been negatively impacted. One such organization that depends on state funds is our Carroll County 4-H. With a vision of assuring the financial stability of this great youth organization, a group of community leaders has come together to form a County 4-H Foundation.

“4-H has been a part of our lives for many years, and we want to make sure it will be a program our kid’s kids get involved in,” John Bickelhaupt, Foundation President, states. “We believe through community support and donations, this Foundation can provide resources that will sustain the 4-H program in our county, regardless of the financial situation of our state.”

The Foundation believes developing the right path for the future is the first step – and needs the help of community members to do so. “We are asking 4-H alumni, parents, volunteers and community members to fill out a survey. The results of this survey assist in defining our mission, values and initial strategic plan,” indicated Bickelhaupt.

Take the Foundation’s survey at this website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WVRS3HC or call the University of Illinois Extension office at 815-244-9444 to request a paper copy of the survey. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes and must be completed and returned by Saturday, March 9th.

Let the Foundation know what aspects of our county 4-H program you value. “It is imperative to have community involvement as we move forward with the Foundation,” Bickelhaupt concluded. “And we thank everyone in advance for their support.”