What is YAC?
The Youth Advisory Council is a committee of the Barry Community Foundation. The Council, made up of youth representatives from Barry County, involves young people in solving problems affecting their peers. Members of YAC help set policy and guide distribution from their endowment income by giving grants to promising youth projects in Barry County.
YAC’s Creation
In 1996, the directors of the Barry Community Foundation created the Youth Advisory Council, in response to a statewide challenge issued by the WK-Kellogg Foundation. To meet the requirements of the Challenge, a new fund was created to address youth issues. The YAC was established to make grant recommendations to the Foundation Board of Directors for expenditure of these funds. YAC first granted funds in winter, 1998.
What is the Barry Community Foundation?
The Barry Community Foundation roots trace back to 1962, when the Thornapple Foundation was formed to improve the quality of life of Barry County residents. In July of 1995, the Thornapple Foundation became the Barry Community Foundation to provide an opportunity for a public-supported community endowment. The Foundation receives and manages contributions from thousands of citizens and organizations that are committed to the future of Barry County. The Foundation reflects the collective vision of our County residents and provides an opportunity for contribution to community through gifts of many sizes and types.
What do members do?
Members of the YAC meet monthly during the school year to make project decisions or to learn more about youth issues in Barry County. The YAC periodically assesses the needs of youth in Barry County in order to guide their grant making. The YAC is also very active in the community, participating in various community service projects. YAC members also work to develop their own community activities designed to benefit youth. The average time commitment is roughly 2 to 8 hours per month.
