Naomi Edwards December Volunteer spotlight
With 5 children in 4-H, Naomi has dedicated many hours to 4-H. Her passion of being a mom and helping children achieve their goals has made her one of our most dedicated volunteers in 4-H. Her nomination stated “she is always helpful, willing to be flexible and happy to help.” And she is! Currently she is a project leader for Poultry, Rabbits, Photography, Baking and International studies program – where she provides resources on how to host children from across the world. The international studies project is new to 4-H but has been part of her life for years. “We host children from around the world all year long, it's our way of traveling the world without leaving our home”
On top of being a volunteer for projects, she volunteers for 4-H county committees. She is currently the chair for Fashion Revue Which she holds dear to her heart as it really embodies her idea of teaching 4-H members how to help the community. “last year we made pillows for cancer patients who had ports. It's a great way to show 4-H'ers how their work can benefit the community.” On top of all that she is involved in the Scholarships, I & R, Science field Day and Presentation Day.
She began as a volunteer in Steuben, when it was small, she enjoys small clubs because it has a family feel to it. She is now at Wild oak 4-H as a project leader and Co-community club leader.
Her most memorable moment of 4-H is the impact a volunteer (Mark Bush) had on her children, which then inspired her to broaden her skills as a volunteer. “My children and I wanted to do a poultry project but Steuben didn't have one, so we then crossed clubs to Gold Ridge where I met Mark Bush.” After learning much from Mark and guiding her to become a poultry leader, Naomi and her poultry group participated in a fair contest where both Steuben and Gold Ridge were participating. “We won, and the best part wasn't that we won it was what Mark did for us that made it the most rewarding” Naomi said with a huge smile. “Mark went up to the children and let them know how proud of them he was and to show them how proud he was, he gave them their very own chickens! The look on my child's face was worth all the hard work our family did in the poultry project.”
“4-H is a safe place to fail. It builds the confidence that many need.” Said Naomi, “it really helps children become leaders in our community, 4-H is not just for one type of person, it can really encompass anyone.” There are volunteers available to help children be whoever they want to be. Children can really grow in 4-H, thanks to volunteers like Naomi.
Naomi we are incredibly lucky to have you, you are helping the 4-H community grow. Thank you!