Improving Wellbeing in Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville
ID
VCE-1177-2NP
Sharing Knowledge
The population of western Albemarle County has seen significant growth in recent years. While there are many youth activities available in this part of the county, one thing that has been missing is educational and leadership opportunities that build a sense of community.
In response to this need, the Western Albemarle Cloverbud and Community 4-H Club was formed. The club caters to the interests and needs of local youth, providing them with a platform to learn, grow, and develop important life skills.
Forty-five members enrolled in the first year, the majority of whom are first-generation 4-H, with no previous knowledge of the program. Co-leader Jaclyn Scott, a licensed professional counselor, said, “With reports of increased anxiety and hopelessness among our youth, this club couldn’t have come at a better time. 4-H is supporting connection, community, and leadership opportunities for our children generating a ripple effect of change and increasing resiliency, self-worth, and joy [within our community].”
Community Voices
“The Master Gardener program welcomed me with open arms to the world of gardening in Virginia. I found new areas of interest, most notably invasive species management and natives. I am excited to play a role in showing, sharing, and practicing responsible gardening techniques in the community I serve.”
Jane Saltzman
Master Gardener
545
Extension Volunteers
Partners for Solutions
“Feeding Greene, a local food pantry partner, was already invested in the health of their community when I started working with them.
I assisted them in drafting and passing a pantry nutrition policy to ensure the work of their executive director can be sustained long term.”
Matt Paysour
Agent
To find out how you can support your local Extension office,
visit www.cals.vt.edu/make-a-gift.
Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or any other basis protected by law.
Publication Date
June 7, 2024
