Services to Youth
Focus on providing a range of innovative, substantive and sustainable Pre K-16 programming which contributes proven results in educational and social community issues.
Project: As a part of our anti-obesity project, we partnered with the Hackensack Boys and Girls Club to teach students about organic gardening and good nutrition. A master gardener was brought in to help the students learn how to plant herbs indoors and outdoors in an urban garden. Students are currently learning about good nutrition and healthy recipes. Additionally, the chapter sponsored workshops on identifying scholarship opportunities and improving interviewing skills, both designed for local students who applied for the Links scholarships.
Celebrating our Program Year with Boys and Girls Club of Hackensack
The Chapter celebrated its culminating event with youngsters from the Boys and Girls Club of Hackensack who took part in its umbrella project focusing on aquaponics. With the help of the Links, the children grew vegetables and herbs without soil!
Area Students Awarded Links Scholarships for 2014
Twenty-one Bergen County high school seniors were recipients of scholarship awards. The group was honored for their academic accomplishments and community service work during the chapter's annual Mother's Day Luncheon held at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey. US Senator Cory Booker was on hand to congratulate the students and later took a "selfie" with the scholars. (pix right)
Aquaponic Project Hailed a Success at Boys and Girls Club
(Photos top l-r) The seeds planted are beginning to sprout; (bottom left)Link Gwen Ramsey stabilizes the tanks, providing her scientific expertise in instructing how to keep the fish alive and the plants growing; (bottom right) Links Zandra Perry-Ogbomo, Gwen Ramsey and Nellie Jenkins changed and tested the water, washed the rocks and fed the fish. Youngsters continue to watch and record the process.
How Did Our Garden Grow?
Encompassing the facets of Services to Youth, Health and Human Services and The Arts under an umbrella project, the chapter completed its Aquaponics/Hydroponics farming activity at the Hackensack Boys and Girls Club. "The boys and girls were excited and we are delighted to see the progress!" said Program Coordinator Bettye Easley. Seventeen members joined in the initial effort working with youth to build the systems designed to grow wheat grass and basil without soil. In addition, Master Gardener Patricia Libutti, educated the children on these ancient, sustainable methods of farming.
Links Award Scholarships to Area Scholars
Learn more about the awardees and watch (below) as our Services to Youth facet members talk about their experiences working with our youth.