Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy

Troy Joslin is the Director of the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy in Knightstown. This national program has 50 sites in 28 states & 1 US territory and serves at risk youth/high school dropouts ages 16-18 through the National Guard. It is a 17.5 month program: during the first 5.5 months, cadets stay at the Old Soldiers & Sailors Home (the only site in IN) in a military-style environment; during the second 12 months, cadets have a mentorship. There are 1800 graduates in Indiana, and after the program, 36% pursued further education, 26% were employed, and 2% went into the military. The voluntary program includes 40 community service hours and educational classes (GED, college courses, and/or vocational classes). There are 2 groups per year starting in January and July with an average class-size of 100. Funding is provided (75% federal & 25% state), so no cadet or their family needs to pay for this program. Cadets create an action plan for how they want life to be after the program.

Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy is always hiring and looking for volunteers to be mentors for the cadets.For more information see hoosieryouthchallenge.org

Kiwanis Shoppoing for Back Pack Attack

Kiwanians Carolyn Helgason, Stephanie Haines, and Terry Beagle shopped for the Back Pack Attack.  Thanks to them for loading the van to load the school bus and thanks to Walmart for their contribution.

Hancock County Tourism and Visitor Center

Brigette Cook Jones,Executive Director of Tourism

Brigette Jones, Executive Director of Hancock County Tourism spoke about current activities.  She began by discussing what is promoted as Tourism destination in addition hotels and festivals.  She pointed out retail destinations such as the state's largest Hallmark Store,;Restaurants such as Carnegie's and the Wooden Bear; Lark Ranch, and Tuttles' Orchards are also promoted.
Some of the events that are promoted in a variety of media are; The Gem and Jewelry Show;The Hancock County Fair; The Riley Festival; Winterfest; Summerfest; and the Octagon House.
Tourism assists multiple organizations with grants to assist organizations to advertise their events or to help with equipment or facilities that are visited.
For more information on funding or events see http://visitinhancock.org/

Steve Ingram, Past Indiana District Governor

Steve Ingram, Past Governor of the Indiana District visited the Greenfield Kiwanis on Tuesday to inform us of the upcoming District meeting in August and the Key Leader retreat this fall.

Don Munden, Crime Watch

Lt. Don Munden, Shift Commander Hancock County Sheriff Dept.

Lt. Don Munden of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department spoke to Kiwanis about the Crime Watch program.  Lt. Munden stated, " When citizens take positive steps to secure their own property and neighbors learn how to report suspicious activity around their homes, burglary and related offenses decrease dramatically.."
Crime Watch groups receive information on:

• Target hardening
• Observation skills
• Reporting Suspicious Activity
• Terrorist Awareness and Preparedness
• Identity Theft & Internet Freaud
• Parking lot safety
• Travel Safety

If you are intersted in creating a crime watch group or want further information see nnw.org or contact Lt. Don Munden

Smart 911

President Gerry Smith with Greg Duda of Hancock County 911

Greg Duda, Public Information Officer and School Liaison for Hancock County 911 spoke to Kiwanis about the benefits and operation of 911.  911 has improved and changed a great deal as the majority of phones covered are cellular phones rather than landlines.  The following info can be registered to help responders if you have an emergency:

People and Household Info   You can add key information about members of your household that would help anyone you care or in the event of an emergency, whether the call is from the home or any mobile phone. 

Medical Info  No matter where you or your loved ones are, you can always have peace of mind that responders will know any critical medical condition and how to help before they even arrive.

Address and Location Info Giving responders visual details on an emergency location helps facilitate faster response, as does information on access points like hidden driveways or gate codes.

Other Info You can also add as much or as little information about your vehicles, pets, service animals, along with any special notes that you would want responders to know. 

 

For more information or to register your information see smart911.com