July 2018 6 What is TOP® Club? We are the Teen Outreach Program (TOP®). We are a division of the 4-H Youth Development Program, funded by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. TOP® falls under the 4-H umbrella of youth development. We are an evidence- based program designed to promote educational success while reinforcing growth in life skills, leadership techniques, and healthy relationships. TOP® Clubs are a place for teens in at-risk communities to discuss topics they are facing while creating a safe space for them to express themselves. Lessons vary from self-esteem to communication, goal setting, healthy lifestyles, puberty, relationships, and leadership. Our TOP® program focuses on creating safe environments for teens, ages 12-19, to discuss issues they are experiencing while building valuable life skills. TOP puts the focus on community outreach and has our teens connect to their community in a variety of ways. Currently, they are learning how to create their own plastic yarn (plarn) using grocery bags to make sleeping mats for the homeless in their communities. Recently, our teens made homemade dog treats and personally delivered them to dogs at the Arizona Humane Society and the Maricopa County Animal Shelter. The teens loved seeing the joy they provided to these lonely dogs. They also bonded while putting the treats together. (602) 237-3809 | www.sacate.com 5555 W. Elliot Road, Laveen, AZ 85339 Visit our website for a few of the reasons why pellets are a nutritious feed alternative to baled hay! • We only use all natural ingredients. No artificial fillers or additives • We use only the best, locally-grown sun cured alfalfa hay and bermuda. • We lab test our pellets for protein content, vitamin and mineral percentages and to ensure they meet our strict specifications and guaranteed analyses. Producing Premium Horse & Cattle Feed Since 1985 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! By Brittany Alger, 4-H Teen Outreach Program For more information on how to get involved with 4-H, please contact the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Office at 602-827-8275, or visit the website at extension.arizona.edu/4h/maricopa TOP® is designed to promote educational success while reinforcing growth in life skills, leadership techniques, and healthy relationships.