Dear Parents, Teachers Youth Leaders, Families and Those who work with youth.

Helping youth develop into mature responsible adults is the work of the Development Asset Builders in Portage County and all of you deserve a big Thank You for helping them do that.

This is a season of gratitude as noted in the cards you receive, the businesses who express appreciation for working with them and the bells ringing from the Red Kettle thanking you for caring.

The category of support from the 40 Assets found at www.search-institute.org are in evidence at Holiday time and shows we are an asset building community.

Family Support can provide high levels of love and support and includes any adult in their lives who know them.  Communication that is positive from any adult in their lives shows that people care.  So thank you to those who do.

A caring school climate in their neighborhood, school and family is the key.

A caring environment can be instilled and shared without a lot of cost.  Sharing books from the library, taking a walk on a nature trail, attending musical concerts are just a few ideas.

In this season where we hear so much anger, bullying actions and negative comments, Adults can use that experience to share values with youth on more positive choices.   Thank you ALL so much for caring.

May you all experience PEACE, HOPE and a wonderful 2019

Mary Ann Krems
Portage County Alliance for Youth   www.search-institute.org