Adirondack Teen
gives a big shout-out to
Lewis County's Youth Bureau Senior Representatives
Lewis county youth bureau student representatives
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What role do they play?
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why are they exceptional?
Alyssa Brower
Lowville
"Being on the youth bureau exposed me to the way local government works and allowed me to exercise my voice as a youth and advocate for other youth in the area. It has shown me that one voice is not too small and can make a large difference and that it is really important to be involved in your community."
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Served on Lewis County Youth board from June 30, 2019 - June 30, 2020
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Helped with the allocation of funds for youth development programs like OCFS, Municipality Recreation Program Funds and County Project Funds
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Participated in two commercials for the seasonal bus runs to Old Forge in 2017 and 2018
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Helped organize special events like the annual Lewis County Night Out and the seasonal bus runs to Old Forge
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Monitored youth development programs after allocating money and writing up the report for it to be sent to the county and the state
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"Growing up in such a small and quiet place like Lowville has made me unaware to the problems that face the youth in Lewis County. I hear the phrase “You’re in Lewis County...what bad thing could really happen to you?” so often that I started to believe it myself. However, being a part of the Youth Bureau has really opened my eyes to the issues youth face and the efforts from adults and community members in the county to try and reduce youth delinquency. It’s made me realize the small things like a sport, art, or some other activity can keep kids occupied and happy, leading them towards a safer and more fulfilling life."
Kirstin Moshier
Lowville
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Elected Co-Chairperson of Lewis County Youth Burerau (YB)
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Board member from June 6, 2017 - June 30, 2020.
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As a student representative for Lewis County YB, led YB meetings alongside the Co-Chair of the YB Board and assisted with:
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Lewis County Homeless Christmas Tree
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Lewis County Night Out
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Monitored recreational projects
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Advertisement for Lewis County Transportation
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Member of High School select chorus
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Member of High School chorus and participated in musicals
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Member of National Honors Society
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Achieved high honor roll
student representatives
What role do they play?
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Make decisions on different youth services in the county
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Offer the perspective and voice of other youth within the county
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Engage in discussion
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Conduct program monitoring
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Review applications for funding
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Make recommendations for program funding.
Why are they exceptional?
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Recognize the importance of community
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Exhibit compassion for others and rise above the self
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Create positive impact on community and others through collaboration and working together
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Acquire mentoring and community change agents skills
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Donate time and energy to help others
Adirondack Teen would like to send a special thank you to Penny Moser, director of Lewis County Youth Bureau, for nominating our newest Hot Shots!
The Lewis County Youth Bureau was created by the Lewis County Board of Legislators in 1997. The Youth Bureau currently has 20 members who reflect a diverse balance between government, non-government, and up to 2 students from each public school district in the county. All members are compassionate to the well-being of youth. The student representative appointments end when they graduate from high school.
The Youth Bureau receives approximately $23,000 from the Office of Children and Family Services. These funds are intended to be used to support programs for youth most likely to become involved in the criminal justice system; including preventative education or drug prevention awareness. The Youth Bureau also receives approximately $5,000 from the County of Lewis. These funds are to support existing youth programs that had a decrease of funding, were eliminated, or for new youth programs.
The Youth Bureau advertises available funding, reviews application proposals, and ultimately makes difficult decisions on which youth programs to support with limited funds. Without the input offered by our student representatives, we would lose the voice of youth in the decision making process. The students also conduct program monitoring of the funded programs. Additionally, the Youth Bureau hosts other projects such as “Lewis County Night Out” (a prevention awareness event), and the “Homeless Christmas Tree” initiative (a community effort to collect hygiene items, kitchen and bath supplies, and other items for local families in need).
Interested in learning more about the Lews County Youth Bureau?
Do you know someone who excels in art, music, athletics, academics, or is just plain awesome? We are looking for exceptional teens who live in the Adirondacks to feature as our next Hot Shot. Send us your nomination or feel free to nominate yourself here.