From the Desk of the Director Summer 2024
We’re excited to host a new crop of Summer Engagement Interns again. Our staff have been busy getting their schedules lined up with
community partners and we’ve got several in-house programs that they’ll be helping us with. Last year, our interns reached nearly 3,000 youth through 97 programs over their 12-week experience with us. We know that level of engagement made a difference to the young people who participated in those programs, but we also hope this internship solidifies a commitment to public service in the minds of the interns. Perhaps these experiences will lead them toward a career in public service or enable them to turn out for their community when called upon.
Our staff are expanding their efforts across the county in exciting ways. LiveWell Douglas County now leads the efforts behind Safe Kids Douglas County and the Heartland Regional Food Business Center has added staff to work with food- and farm-based businesses to help them establish and grow. We’re recruiting for our new classes of volunteers this fall and our new Kaw Valley Farm Tour Coordinator Hilary Kass is filling up the roster for the 20th Anniversary Tour in October.
As we move into these summer months, please keep us in mind. You’ll notice here that we have a lot for you to consider – whether that be a new strategy to try out in your landscape, a class to sign up for, or an opportunity for you to engage with your community. Consider this your invitation to participate. We hope to see you around!