Building Trails, Building Futures: Sylvie’s Internship Experience

For Sylvie Terrell, a summer internship became much more than just a seasonal job. It was a chance to turn her passion for the environment into meaningful action. Through the Henry County Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Internship Grant Program, funded by the Choose Henry Flex Fund, Sylvie spent the summer working with Healthy Communities of Henry County.

Healthy Communities works to improve the overall health and well-being of Henry County, and Sylvie quickly became part of that mission. Much of her summer was spent outdoors, removing invasive species, maintaining trails, and even helping design and create new ones. “As a runner, it was very rewarding to be a part of contributing to our trail systems,” Sylvie shared. “I began to recognize the trail regulars and see how the trail systems truly connected the community.”

The experience wasn’t just about clearing brush. Sylvie learned how collaboration, planning, and dedication shape projects that benefit everyone. She attended community meetings, connected with local leaders, and saw firsthand the impact of Healthy Communities’ efforts. “It was fascinating and rewarding to see what goes into maintaining our natural lands and designing creative solutions to support our communities,” she said.

For Sylvie, who is majoring in Biology and International and Public Affairs with plans to pursue a career in environmental or agricultural policy, this internship was more than a summer job. It was a glimpse into her future. “This internship has reinforced my passion for the environment and this community, while giving me deeper insight into the logistics of making all of this possible,” she reflected.

Sylvie’s story is just one example of the impacts being made through the Nonprofit Internship Grant Program. Created to support local nonprofits and give college students meaningful work experiences, the program is a win-win for the community. Nonprofits gain extra support and fresh perspectives to advance their missions, while students develop practical skills that prepare them for future careers.

The program is made possible by the Choose Henry Flex Fund, a fund built through the generosity of donors who want to meet Henry County’s most pressing needs. Because of donors who are passionate about strengthening Henry County, young people like Sylvie can grow into community-minded leaders. At the same time, organizations like Healthy Communities have the capacity to do more.

As Sylvie reflects on her summer, she sees more than trails cleared and meetings attended. She sees a community that invests in its people and places. Her story is just one glimpse of what happens when generosity meets opportunity.

At the Henry County Community Foundation, we’re grateful for donors who make experiences like Sylvie’s possible. Gifts to the Choose Henry Flex Fund are history in the making by strengthening nonprofits, encouraging young leaders, and shaping a healthier Henry County.

This year-end, we invite you to be part of that story. Your gift today helps write the next chapter of generosity, ensuring that opportunities for growth, service, and community continue to flourish for years to come.

Gifts can be made online at www.henrycountycf.org, by mailing a check to the Foundation office, or by exploring options to create your own lasting legacy through setting up a fund of your own or through a planned gift. However you choose to give, your generosity helps build a stronger Henry County—today and for generations to come.

This year, your gifts to the Choose Henry Flex Fund will go even further.

Lilly Endowment Inc. has offered a 2-for-1 match for all gifts to the Choose Henry Flex Fund through GIFT IX’s Unrestricted Endowment Building.

 Here’s how you can be part of history in the making:

1. Give to the Choose Henry Flex Fund – Your gift supports programs that are already strengthening nonprofits and building opportunities across Henry County. With the new match, all gifts to Choose Henry will be tripled!
2. Create a named fund within Choose Henry – Establish a named fund to carry your story forward and support meaningful causes. Right now, you can create a named fund with a minimum of $1,667 (originally $5,000)
3. Honor a loved one – Make a tribute gift in memory or celebration, adding another layer to Henry County’s legacy of generosity.
4. Spread the word – Share this message with family and friends so they, too, can be part of writing Henry County’s future.

Be part of the story today. Please join us by making your gift online or sending a check in the enclosed envelope. Whether it’s $500, $250, $100, or any amount, your generosity is helping Henry County thrive and making history that will last.