Future leaders are rising in Oakdale Neighbors’ On Our Block youth club. Meet Natalie, an outgoing veterinarian in-the-making. At 10 years old, Natalie has big dreams of treating sick animals. Her love for animals grew as she learned about horses from her grandfather who owns a ranch in Mexico.
Natalie joined On Our Block a year ago after seeing how much her sister loved it. Last week Natalie and her youth club served neighbors by baking brownies and cookies. The baking experience is teaching youth entrepreneurial skills and the importance of hard work and service.
When she’s not busy dreaming about her career, Natalie enjoys reading books and playing interactive games on the computer. Through her youth club Natalie indulges and explores her love of reading and learning. She improves her skills by reading aloud during ”reading café” with tutors from Calvin College. Neighborhood youth strengthen their writing skills with journaling exercises that articulate their thoughts and put them to paper.
Oakdale Neighbors' youth club is helping Natalie develop her talents and reach her goals. At youth club she enjoys doing the activities she loves with friends and adults that help her grow.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.