KALKASKA, Mich./FIFE LAKE, Mich.–Forest Area Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the presentation of a Community Grant Award Check in the amount of $2500 to the Kalkaska Co. 4-H Leaders Association.
"This is very exciting for our program! Last year we were able to secure new pens and cages for rabbits, chickens, lambs and goats,” said Karie Saxton, Kalkaska County 4-H Leader's Association president. “Swine is the largest livestock project among 4-H youth in Kalkaska, so we knew pig pens needed to be the next big project we undertook as the former pens weren't meeting the needs of our program anymore both in quantity, use of space, and also in biosecurity terms. With the rise in diseases such as Avian Influenza and PEDV (a fatal, swine-specific disease), we are changing the way we look at housing animals when they are shown at the fair. We are teaching our youth more about mitigating the risks when it comes to spreading pathogens and we are continually looking at ways to put practices in place to keep not only our project animals healthy, but keep our 4-H members and fair visitors healthy.Having new pens that are metal instead of wood, and that can be removed and completely cleaned and disinfected after the fair is a huge step in the right direction when it comes to stopping the spread of disease. 4-H skills are life skills; our youth aren't just raising a pig or rabbit. They're keeping health and financial records; they're learning how to be leaders; they're learning how to be responsible; they're learning about feed consumption and rate of gain; they're learning how to work together as a team; they're learning about civic engagement; they're learning what to do to raise a quality food product."
Kalkaska County 4-H has more than 150 members enrolled, with the majority of those members enrolled in livestock projects. "4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H offers kids fun learning opportunities through 4-H clubs, afterschool programs, and local, state and international events and activities. 4-H offers older teens opportunities to set goals, develop strategies to reach those goals and take leadership for sharing their skills, knowledge and talents to make their communities stronger. 4-H offers adults research based support and training in age-appropriate learning methods and materials to help plan activities and projects for and with young people in safe, nurturing environments."
Forest Area Federal Credit Union's Community Grant Program is available to continue support of our communities in a way that could enhance the lives of our membership. The Community Grant Program will consider projects for funding such as those that contribute to improvements that support arts and culture, basic human needs, the local environment, health and safety improvement projects, recreation and support for seniors and youth. Community non-profit organizations or government units who sponsor public projects that are located in Forest Area Federal Credit Union's Field of Membership (Portions of Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Wexford and Antrim Counties) can apply.
Forest Area Federal Credit Union Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Bandlow, and Kalkaska Branch Manager Sue Farr will be present at the Kalkaska FACU south end branch office to present them with the check for $2500.
"Credit unions are built on a principle of 'People helping People'. We are proud to be able to make this award and to be able to help in even a small way the youth in our communities. These young people are our future! The skills that they obtain as a part of the 4-H program are skills that they will use throughout their lifetime,” said Robert Raden, CEO of Forest Area Federal Credit Union.