Distinguished philanthropist Helen Jewett has established an endowment at the Yakima Valley Community Foundation to carry out a twofold purpose.
The first goal is to help young people learn about their neighbors in need. A second aim is to provide a permanent source of income that allows youth to help alleviate those needs.
"Awareness is the first step," says Jewett. "I think it is important for citizens of every age to become aware of their community's needs. To learn more about want and suffering - and to discover how each one of us can help."
Thanks to Helen, a Youth Advisory Council comprised of area high school students will be mentored by YVCF staff in reviewing and scoring grant applications, making site visits to nonprofit agencies and recommending recipients of grants totaling $50,000. These grants will be awarded each year in Helen's name - in perpetuity.
"It is my hope that this program will guide students toward a lifelong path of caring and sharing."
Helen has chosen to fund this endowment through her last will and testament. However, she contributed $50,00 up front, "to get it up and running now - and see how it works!"
The initial grantmaking cycle for The Helen N. Jewett Endowment for Philanthropy will commence in the fall of 2007. Grants will be announced on the donor's birthday, January 26, 2008.