Lake County 4-Hers give back to community

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Lake County 4-H members Sebastian Rzadkosz and Avalyn Humbert built a raised garden bed at Luxe Life Senior Living and Memory Care in Crown Point.

“Our project aims to give seniors an opportunity to be outdoors and grow fresh food,” Rzadkosz said. “With a garden bed, they can grow fresh vegetables to eat, be outside and have fun. In the future, we can expand to other nursing homes across the county.”

Rzadkosz is a sophomore at Crown Point High School and a six-year member in the Griffith Grinners 4-H Club.

Humbert is a junior at Marian Catholic High School and a nine-year member in the Crown Clovers 4-H Club. Both serve as Lake County 4-H ambassadors.

“Sebastian and Avalyn have done an excellent job applying the skills they have learned in 4-H to a gorgeous, much appreciated raised garden bed,” said Lin Wozniewski, 4-H volunteer and adult lead for the project.

“The Lake County 4-H Ambassador Program is proud of them and all of our 2024 Lake County 4-H ambassadors.”

This spring, Rzadkosz and Humbert applied for and were awarded a $500 Indiana 4-H Foundation YES Grant to fund their service project.

The YES Grant program provides support for youth-led community service projects. When applying, 4-H members must prepare a proposal including a budget and time line.

“This is the first time that Lake County 4-H members have received a YES Grant,” said Purdue Extension Educator Julie Jones.

“We hope their initiative and hard work will inspire others to find ways to make a difference in their communities.”