Pictured from left are John Parker, CCS, Eric Lane, Fellowship Missions, Steve Possell, CCS, Elijah Holder, TVHS, Karianne Dunifin, Triton, Sasha West, Triton, Annie Carter, WCHS, Anthony Bass, WCHS, Alyssa Lowe, CCS and Tony Ciriello, KYLA Moderator.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy held its February meeting at Combined Community Services in Warsaw. The session focused on social services available in the Kosciusko County area.

Steve Possell of Combined Community Services welcomed the students and spoke both about his background and journey to become the executive director. Possell also talked about the food pantry, clothing, job education, utility assistance and more programs available to those in need through CCS. Possell also spoke with the students about finding their own passion in life and making it a mission. Alyssa Lowe, CCS director of development, talked about self-sufficiency programs and hosted an activity where students had to make decisions about life expenses with limited available funds.

While at CCS, the KYLA students split into two groups for a community service project. One group helped unpack and hang donated clothing while another group assisted in organization of the food pantry.

Eric Lane of Fellowship Missions educated the students about generational poverty, the circumstances that often surround people who become homeless and the assistance offered at the shelter, both from a long term and an emergency perspective. He discussed his faith-based approach to caring for the people who need help.

The next session is scheduled for March 7,  at the Kosciusko County Courthouse and will focus on law enforcement and the judicial system. For more information, visit www.kyla.com.