This past spring, Cheryl Nimtz, Columbia City resident and mother, approached Count Me In! (CMI) regarding a grant to coordinate a summer art club for middle school aged girls.

CMI approved the request and the New Moon Art Club was formed. A series of eight classes followed over the summer. Emphasis was on various forms of art ranging from stamping, beading, sketching, cross-stitching, and face painting. At the end of the summer program, the girls visited the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. In addition to viewing the art on display, they discussed their favorites. And as a part of the trip,

they learned proper museum etiquette since many had never been to a museum. Adults sharing in the experience along with Nimtz were Beth Seaton, Sarah Smith, Joni Walker, Leah Jagger, and Peggy McCarthy.

All materials and supplies were purchased by CMI while the adults served as mentors, teachers, and supervision for the young women who participated.

This is just one example of the sixty-four grants that have been approved by CMI since April 2002. To date, CMI has approved $41,780 in grants that connected caring adults with kids. Grants have been for scrapbooking classes, soccer club in South Whitley, bike safety rodeo, music week, tutoring program, show choir week, wood carving class, Sign Language Club, fishing derby, garden club and many others.

CMI exists to fund new programs that make connections with Whitley County youth and adults, and to promote the 40 Developmental Assets as researched by the Search Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Assets are forty areas that a responsible, caring adult would have experienced in their development from child to adulthood. These assets are found in eight broad categories: Support, Empowerment, Boundaries and Expectations, Constructive Use of Time, Commitment to Learning, Positive Values, Social Competencies, and Positive Identity.

According to the Search Institute, while the majority of Americans say they believe it is a good idea to contribute to the healthy development of young people, very few act

ually take action. Fortunately, for the young women above interested adults stepped forward to make a connection.

CMI will consider grants to new and innovative ideas that require funding in Whitley County. CMI can even help to register participants and find a location to host the session or sessions in addition to assisting financially. Please be aware salaries will not be funded by a grant.

If you are interested in a grant or learn more about CMI, contact John Slavich, program officer for the Whitley County Community Foundation, at 244-5224.

CMI adult volunteers available for counseling include Rhonda Jones, Amy Shaw, Larry Wooley, Krista Pope, Monica Trump, Darcy Hoopingarner, Amber Lecklider, Peggy McCarthy, Ryan Carper, Nikki Trier, Kendra Zickafoose and David Addison.

For more information about the 40 Developmental Assets go to www.search-institute.org.

Story and photo contributed.