Coaching Toolkit
Nationwide, schools are seeing a decrease in team sports participation. Additionally, there have been occurences of parental, coaching, spectator, and participant actions which have negatively impacted the health, emotional, and pyschological well-being of young athletes. This group set out to enhance youth athletic experiences involving team sports for children between the ages of 5 through 8th grade in Green County. Based on survey results, the team created a toolkit for training and empowering team sport organizers and coaches. The toolkit includes materials involving communication, codes of conduct, concussion protocols, first aid guidelines, tips for working with children with special needs, team building exercises, child abuse reporting instructions, as well as protective measures for coaches. The Monroe Parks and Recreation Department shared that “I anticipate that the coaching materials you have put together will help provide much needed resource to help improve the level of volunteer coaching and as a result will have a positive impact on thousands of kids!” 

Monticello Pony Pack Program
34% of Monticello elementary students are at risk of food insecurity. Many of these students participate in the free or reduced lunch program at school. However, many of these children still go hungry over the weekend. To help improve their quality of life, Green County Leaders has partnered with the Monticello School District and Green Cares food Pantry to introduce the Pony Pack Program. Each Friday, or day before a break, students enrolled in this program will have a pack of healthy snacks discretely placed in their backpack before they leave for the day to help nourish them over the weekend. The Monticello School District nurse shared that, “It is our hope that these weekend healthy snack packs are able to help families in need when resources may not be available.”

Middle School Youth Center
The team created an after school hangout center for the middle school youth of Monroe. Many students walk home to empty houses or hang out in the downtown area, having little or nothing to do after school. Previously, there were activities available both the younger and older children, but there was nothing being offered to middle schoolers. The goal was to provide a safe, fun environment for middle school students to hang out and socialize outside of school. We are hoping to offer these youth daily opportunities to socialize, learn responsibly, have fun, and to feel safe. 

Wellness in Green County
The team’s goal was to assist the Green County Health Coalition Committee (GCHCC) to bring awareness to the many resource that help improve physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual well-being Green County community members. The team also worked to hep the Physical Activity subcommittee increase business participation in the “Let’s Get Moo-ving in Green County” wellness challenge. Their project partner shared, “The Green County Leaders group has helped us encourage a healthier community through their drive and determination. We are very thankful!”