From the Regional Advisory Committee of the Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging

The Regional Advisory Committee of the Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging in partnership with SILVERcare is proud to announce that St. John Youth In Action Ministry is the 2014-2015 recipient of the annual Youth In Aging Award in Beaufort County. The group was presented with a framed certificate, as well as a gift card, courtesy of SILVERcare.

The award was established to recognize and encourage volunteerism among youth in programs that assist and improve the lives of seniors in our region of Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt counties.

St. John Youth In Action received the award for their work at the St. John Senior Housing Complex. This year the youth were on their hands and knees for hours pulling weeds out of the flower beds and replacing mulch. Also, during Thanksgiving, the youth assist in the preparation and distribution of Thanksgiving boxes for the seniors at the housing complex and in the surrounding community. This group also supports an “Adopt a Grandparent Program.” This program pairs several youth with an older adult at the housing complex to visit and to help with light cleaning jobs on occasion.

It is indeed an honor and a privilege to recognize the actions of this group of young people. We appreciate the time, work, and love you have shown to our older adults.

Youth In Action members: Aniyah Corey, Nevaeh Corey, Ny’Reik Corey, Zaniyah Corey, Dontrell Davenport, Mark Jackson, Myles Jackson, Ariana Jenkins, CJ Jenkins, Iyanna Langley, RJ Langley, Zyquef McCoy, Taylor O’Neal, Jaden Peele, Xavier Peele, Glen Rodman, Jayla Smallwood, Kayla Smallwood, Maya Smallwood, Deliyah Thompson, Destiny Thompson, Kieona Worsley, Reiona Worsley. Youth In Action Leaders: Elder Vera Goss, Director; Helen O’Neal, YIA Leader; Cheryl Wilkins, YIA Leader; Shantel Smallwood, YIA Leader; Courtney Jennette, YIA Leader.