Ashley Ford and Paige Junge were awarded the Exceptional Volunteer Service Award at the NE Area County Services Awards. This award is given to volunteers who demonstrate value and commitment to ISU Extension and Outreach programming, document measurable results, and provide evidence of continuing commitment to ISU Extension and Outreach.
Ashley and Paige contribute more than 100 combined hours of volunteerism annually to support 4-H members in Linn County. Ashley and Paige’s spark, or passion, is in the dog project area. Ashely and Paige coordinate and prepare for 4-H dog events at the Linn County Fair, empower youth to explore careers related to dogs, and facilitate bi-monthly workshops on all aspects of the dog project area, including health, grooming, and breeds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashley and Paige supported 4-H members by starting a new virtual workshop series, “Paws-Up,” that youth could tune into from their homes. These virtual workshops have evolved to expanded content and delivery to meet the needs of youth. Ashley and Paige provide a safe environment for our 4-H and FFA members to connect with others who are just as passionate about dogs as they are.
Last year, Ashley and Paige provided 20 hours of high-quality youth education in the dog project area. Youth that attend workshops or dog obedience training learn life skills like self-discipline, self-esteem, goal setting, resiliency, problem-solving, and more. “I observe Ashley and Paige teaching valuable life skills with positive reinforcement, encouragement, and modeling behavior,” says JD Otterbein, County Youth Coordinator for Linn County 4-H, “parents have shared with me that they see their child grow in confidence by participating in the dog project.”
At the Linn County Fair, two dog project area 4-H members brought static, or non livestock, exhibits related to the dog project area this year. One 4-H member explored the career path of dog training, and another member outlined safe dog toys. Both topics were discussed at a Paws-Up workshop, showing that Ashley and Paige inspire youth to find their Spark with 4-H.
With support of amazing volunteers like Ashley and Paige, Linn County 4-H members learn life skills and explore their spark. If you are interested in joining Linn County 4-H or becoming a 4-H volunteer please visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/join-4-h.
Ashley Ford and Paige Junge receive ISU Extension and Outreach Exceptional Volunteer Service Award!
February 23, 2023