Teresa Hebert 502.931.0975 Program Director
Hailey Barrett, Youth Leadership Baord President 502.609.7227
Why do some people grow up with ease, while others struggle? Why do some youth get involved in dangerous activities, while others spend their time contributing to their communities in positive ways? This has a lot to do with developmental assets which are building blocks for successful growth and development for young people. We hope that by getting youth involved in serving peers in their community and teaching students in the Good to Grow Project to eat well so their growing bodies will be healthier, they will miss less school, be more attentive, and perform better. Doing well in school can lead to higher paying jobs and minimize the risk of continued cycles of poverty. Another unique opportunity we are trying to address is youth development. Young people need organizations like Miles for Merry Miracles who have projects like Good to Grow Green who provide positive, supportive environments. Young people need to be valued by their community and have opportunities to contribute to their communities. They need enriching and constructive opportunities for growth. Youth need skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, build healthy relationships, and succeed in life. Young people need to develop a strong sense of their own power, purpose, worth, and promise. Miles for Merry Miracles helps develop many assets among the youth that lead and volunteer with us. These assets reduce high risk behaviors. The more assets young people have, the less likely they are to get involved in alcohol, violence, skipping school, and other high risk behaviors.
M4MM/G2GG believes that healthy students help drive healthy schools, and that healthy schools are at the heart of healthy communities. We envision growing healthy communities where those who are "apart from" will become "part of" new solutions that benefit 100% of society; a world where people do not have to leave their community to live, learn, give and earn. Together, we can grow something great!
M4MM leaders Engage, Educate, Elevate, and Serve.
"Young people are often underestimated and underutilized as problem solvers, but the Miles for Merry Miracles/Good to Grow team shows that youth in our region are willing and energized about solving injustices in their communities, not someday in the future, but right now. These young people are mobilizing others to join their cause, meeting with legislators and educating themselves about big issues facing all our communities. They are leaders in their own right." - Indiana State Senator Ron Grooms