History
Serving youth has been a longstanding mission of Lions Clubs
International- supporting Lions Quest since 1984. In June
2002, Lions Quest began a new era as Lions Clubs International
Foundation (LCIF) purchased the program from its former owner,
the International Youth Foundation. To date, LCIF has awarded
more than 178 grants for a cumulative total of more than $13.2
million to expand or establish Lions Quest programs across
the United States and around the world.
Quest International dates from 1975 when Rick Little, as
a 19-year old college student facing a personal crisis, set
out on a "quest" to help other young people develop
the skills and strength of character they would need to cope
with difficulties. Little eventually founded and served as
chief executive officer of the International Youth Foundation.
Quest received an initial grant in 1977 from the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation, with the George Gund Foundation and the Reader's
Digest Association contributing additional start-up funds.
In cooperation with youth development experts, Quest created
and launched its first program, Skills for Living, based on
the philosophy of partnering the family, school and local
community.
Today, that philosophy sustains Lions Quest, available
in 30 languages in 50 countries across the globe. Lions
have been key to the success and expansion of Lions
Quest, supporting the program through local funding,
coordinating teacher training, co-hosting parent meetings,
speaking to youth, and undertaking joint service projects
with students.
Who Are Lions?
Since 1917, Lions Clubs International has embraced the dream
of its founder, Melvin Jones, and worked for the betterment
of local communities and the world at large. Whether responding
when disaster strikes, helping the disabled face obstacles
and challenges, or providing children with a safe and healthy
learning environment, Lions Clubs International members are
there to serve.
It is this dedication and commitment to service that has
made Lions Clubs International the world's largest service
organization with 1.3 million members in 205 countries and
geographic areas.
Over 25 years ago, Lions embraced the idea of comprehensive
youth development in order to help children grow in
a positive direction, free from the dangers of drugs
and violence. They helped to develop the Lions Quest
programs and have continued to support them locally
for 25 years through financial or in-kind donations,
and through partnering with students on service projects
that impact their community.
|
