Lee Metcalf: “over the recess I had opportunity to visit Youth in Action in Mount Vernon, Washington, which is a city in my district.…”

“over the recess I had opportunity to visit Youth in Action in Mount Vernon, Washington, which is a city in my district. Youth in Action was created in Washington State to encourage school age children living in multifamily housing to participate in afterschool programs. While most parents would like to spend more time with their children, many parents are unable to do so because of their demanding jobs. The Youth in Action program provides adult supervision and engages children in activities while parents are at work. More importantly, these adults serve as positive role models to children whose parents are not able to be present. Our children are not the sole beneficiaries. Our communities also benefit with lower crime rates, decreased vandalism, and reduction in property damage. Programs such as Youth in Action help encourage children to excel and be active in positive situations at an early age. Mr. Speaker, it is during these formative years that we can have the most influence on these children by instilling values and building positive character traits. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Youth in Action for providing this essential service to children of our community, children who may need inspiration.”