The 2019 Animal and Me program participants met Saturday evening at the Williams County Fairgrounds to get to know each other and the animals they will be showing at the Williams County Fair.
Kaylee McCaskey and Ashley Hendress
This is the third year for the program, growing to 23 individuals with developmental disabilities partnered with 23 4-H or FFA mentors. This program allows 4-H and FFA members to become mentors and share their knowledge about animals.
Chris Tomlinson and Hailey Johnson
The event is Tuesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Livestock Pavilion at the Williams County Fair. The program is a collaboration between Williams County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Community Inclusion Specialist, Joan Miller, Williams County 4-H Educator, Stacey Perry, and local 4-H member Kaylee McCaskey. This year the program has expanded to include two shows, one small animal show (chickens and rabbits) and a large animal show (calves, goats, and lambs).
William Burton and Isabelle Mercer
“Mentors are learning to teach, and the mentees are learning new skills, and how to care for animals. It is such a heartwarming scene watching the participants working together with the animals,” said Joan Miller.
“Everyone involved seems to feel the same pride and excitement about Animal and Me,” said Kaylee McCaskey.
Taylor Brown and Chester Dangler
Gabe Appel and Heavenlee Owens