3 local youths help make foundation decisions

  The Yuma Community Foundation's philosophy is that local youths are among our community's most powerful resources.

  Because of that, it has chosen three area high school students to serve alongside adults on the YCF Advisory Board: Ruth Megui and Bryan Benitez of Yuma High School, and Maura Martinez of San Luis High School.

  "Our youth board members bring enthusiasm and a new perspective to our work," said YCF regional manager Judy Gresser. "These young people are our community's next leaders, and we are delighted to help them prepare for future roles as decision makers."

  Recently, the youth board members were assigned a special project to research and identify a nonprofit organization that meets a youth-related need in the community.

  "The foundation allocates funds to help organizations that need it," said Megui. "We want to help people succeed. I was elected as a junior board member last October, which means I get to take part in voting.

  She said that the students are a deciding factor in giving grants.

  "My job is to give a youthful perspective to the board and I know they respect my opinion."

  Under the guidance of YCF board member Connie Zepeda and YCF staff member Diana Santoyo, the youths conducted research and discovered many candidates.
  The team ultimately recommended the Arizona's Children Association Independent Living Program. The full board approved the recommendation, and the Independent Living Program received a $1,000 grant.

  The program provides life skills training to young people who are making the stressful transition from foster care to independent living. Youths are supported through voluntary counseling, housing, employment and education services.

  Megui said her service has been a real eye-opener.

  "This has been a neat learning experience to serve the community because it gives me a different perspective. I am a junior at Yuma High School and I will be on the board my senior year as well."

  According to Santoyo, the YCF is a 16-year-old permanent philanthropic endowment for the enduring benefit of the community. It secures, manages and allocates donors' gifts for charitable purposes in the community, while working to improve the quality of life for local residents

  "We live in this community and we want to see it grow and not just stagnate," said Megui. "We know that what we do affects the community, so we give back to help others."