4-H Delivers

TLDI 4-H "Second Chance" Project

The Issue

The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports that between 2.5 and 3.5 million people each year will either live on the streets or in an emergency shelter. Organizations such as the Beacon Light Mission do their best to shower, clothe, and feed the homeless, but these shelters depend largely upon private donations. When donations decline –especially during the summer – shelters struggle.

What has 4-H Done?

Five students from the 4-H Teen Leadership Development Institute (TLDI) at Compton High School decided to develop a community service project based on the issue of homelessness. Cindi, Susana, Jessica, Karina, and Christina embarked on an endeavor they named “Second Chance.” After applying for a grant, they received financial support, which served as the foundation for their project. The girls decided to organize a clothing drive to benefit Beacon Light Mission. They held three drop-off days in order to collect clothing and personal items. Cindi, Susana, Jessica, Karina, and Christina circulated flyers, painted posters, and wrote letters to students, teachers, and administrators. Furthermore, the group educated their peers about homelessness and raised awareness regarding the issue.

The Payoff

The students of Compton High rallied around the Second Chance project. Over the course of three days, more than 700 pounds of deliveries were collected. These provisions were an immense help to the Beacon Light Mission and allowed the organization to continue their service. The Beacon Light Mission office manager thanked the girls, saying “You have helped make it possible for us to continue this help to the homeless.” Aside from the community’s benefit, the five girls gained valuable skills as well. They learned how to recognize a deficit in their community, organize an event to help meet the need, and educate others along the way. “During my direct involvement with them, I was impressed with their level of understanding of the many issues and the complex level of thinking they had for each issue,” wrote their 4-H academic coordinator. Compton High as a whole became aware of homelessness and pitched in to help Cindi, Susana, Jessica, Karina, and Christina with their Second Chance project. In 2005, the group won a 4-H Golden Clover Award for their project.

Author: Megan Reese, State 4-H Office Student Assistant