New York youths participate in local volunteer projects, enjoy Whitley County visit
(Photos provided) Young service organization members with FYI from New York not only volunteered their time and energy in Northeast Indiana last week, they also made a little time for fun too. The youths stayed with local families and participated in some of the best recreational activities Whitley County has to offer. Above, they enjoyed go kart rides at Paige's Crossing and below, they utilized the Whitley County Family YMCA and were among some of the first to use the new Dance Dance Revolution equipment.
By Jenna Ott
Tucked away in the hustle of Manhattan is a youth service organization called FYI, or Fresh Youth Initiatives. This growing service organization works with youth ages 10 and up who are ready to make a difference in their community. Youth involved at FYI earn rewards for hours spent volunteering in the community, building leadership skills, and attending 
supplemental activities and workshops. Each year, one of the biggest incentives offered is “Trip USA.” The young people have 3 months to log service hours at FYI, and the students with the most number of hours earn a seat on the much-anticipated trip.
This year, “Trip USA” came to Northeast Indiana. Through a partnership between the Dekko Foundation, local Community Foundations, and FYI, the group spent time in Whitley County and the surrounding areas last week.
The youth saw many local attractions during their week-long stay, such as Paige’s Crossing, the Whitley County YMCA, several local farms, a Motocross Race at Trojan Raceway, DePuy Orthopaedics, DeBrand’s Chocolates, Merry Lea Environmental Center, and much more. They even learned the story of the Miami Indians as presented by Columbia City’s own Dr. Clark Waterfall.
Many firsts also happened on the trip as the young New Yorkers had their first experience with fishing, exotic wildlife at Black Pine Animal Park, and nature hikes at Pokagon. The group even made time for some service projects with the HANDS Foundation at Children’s Hope in Fort Wayne.
A "Thank You" to the many who made this possible...
The trip was an amazing success, and would not have been possible without the help of 12 amazing Whitley County families who opened their homes and their hearts to the visitors from FYI. A sincere thanks to the following families for their help in making “Trip USA” a big success: Brian & Vanessa Bills and Family, Matt & Leslie Rentscher and Family, Al & Mary Ann Anderson, Dr. John & Aileen Meier, Mayor Jim & Kay Fleck, Mark & Joanne Green and Family, Jim & Margie Daniels, Aaron & Melinda Woll and Family, Gary & Lisa Wilson and Family, Dr. Jim & September McConnell and Family, Jacie Worrick, and The Honorable Mike & JoEllen Rush. Thank you all for everything you did for our NYC Guests!
In addition, special thanks goes out to the CC Deli for providing our guests with a great breakfast each day of their visit, and to Mike at Gotcha Covered for the “Trip USA” t-shirts…they loved them!!