“For my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
For every 4-H program or club, this final line of the 4-H Pledge is at the forefront of their learning and experiences. For the 4-H National Mentoring Program implemented by Texas A&M University Extension, there is an emphasis on “country,” particularly with regards to those who served it.
In partnership with the Hidden Heroes Military Caregiver Community (HHMCC), youth mentees had the opportunity to give back to those who fought tirelessly for our country. The HHMCC—managed by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Caring for our Hidden Heroes—is a network of military caregivers, from all eras, to connect with one another and provide resources and support. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s mission is to strengthen and empower American military caregivers and their families by raising public awareness, driving research, championing policy, and leading collaborations that make a significant impact on their lives.
Mentees participating in the program were tasked with making weighted lap blankets for seven wounded warriors. After researching the benefits of the weighted blankets for the service members’ ailments, and how to make the blankets, the youth teamed up to sew, design and mail the completed blankets, ensuring their arrival by the Christmas.
The program described here is funded through grants from OJJPD, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this page (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided).
