On February 5, 2026, the RiverBend Growth Association Young Adults Committee paired with Senior Services Plus and Meals on Wheels for an amazing experience. Student leaders had the opportunity to package and prepare meals for home delivery to seniors in our area. Senior Services Plus was founded in 1973 by local residents with the expectation to support older adults through nourishment and transportation. Emily Jackson described this foundation as “a lifesaving service serving over 1,100 people”. This organization has continued to evolve into a major provider for Meals on Wheels and several other services in Illinois. Senior Services Plus was originally focused on nutrition, however over the years they expanded to include homecare and a wellness center. The organization celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2023 and has been recognized as a top nonprofit workplace.
The Young Adults Committee worked closely with the staff members to scoop food into trays before it goes through a machine that labels and seals the food prepared. They then assembled the meals for delivery. It was touching to be able to help do something that directly helps people’s lives. Aside from just making the meals, the committee created supplemental bags. The supplemental bags help people in need reach the nutrition requirements set by state guidelines and registered dietitians. Emily Jackson expressed gratitude for the student volunteers because they were a bit behind due to the snowy weather.
Emily said, “We were behind because of the snow day so you guys being here is really timely so thank you so much”. During this experience everyone had the opportunity to bag and prepare the meals. Since the weather was so impactful, students felt needed and excited to help. It was truly a change of perspective for everyone involved.
The Young Adults Committee is composed of two juniors and two seniors from local high schools. Representing Civic Memorial High School are juniors Mariana Silva and Makenzie Newell, and seniors Natalee Belcher and Jacob Cranford.
Mariana Silva is a junior at Civic Memorial High School. She is enrolled in many honors and dual credit courses, remaining a straight-A, high-honor-roll student. Mariana strives in her leadership, she has a passion for extracurricular activities and is always a helping hand to her fellow classmates. She is the President of the junior class, secretary of the student council, vice president of the Spanish club, a representative for the Special Olympics program, partakes in Educators Rising, FreshMentors, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Prom committee, and Drama Club. While being heavily active in clubs, Mariana is a supportive leader on the girls golf and girls basketball teams at CM. In March, she will be inducted into Spanish National Honors Society and National Honors Society at Civic Memorial. After her time at CM, Mariana plans to attend a four-year university and study Family and Consumer Sciences to pursue becoming a High School teacher.
Makenzie Newell, a junior at Civic Memorial High School, distinguishes herself as a high-achieving student currently enrolled in dual credit and honors courses. Her enthusiasm lies in her participation within the clubs at Civic Memorial. She is involved in FreshMentors, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), ENCO (Eagle Nation Community Outreach), Educators Rising, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Spanish Club, Student Council, Prom Committee, and Drama Club. In addition to clubs, Makenzie is an encouraging member of the Lady Eagles soccer team. In March, Makenzie will be inducted into Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish National Honors Society, and The National Honors Society. Post graduation, Makenzie intends to pursue a four-year university degree, focusing on communication disorders with the passion to become a speech pathologist.
Natalee Belcher is a Senior at Civic Memorial High School. She is a hard worker at her current job. She volunteers to help fundraise money for church camp kids at The River Church (AKA The Rock youth group). Natalee also does the kids’ ministry and babysits them while also doing fun classes about the gospel. During the summer. Natalee enjoys swimming, going on vacations, enjoying nature, fishing, and going on float trips every year, usually Bass River. With having great connections with children, Natalee plans on going to college to become a Child Therapist or Pediatric Nurse to continue to help out the community and help keep kids safe and healthy. Natalee likes to make people feel happy, whole, and welcoming. She loves spending time with her family and close friends. Along with spending much time outdoors to enjoy nature. Natalee tries to connect with younger kids to inspire them to become stronger and closer to their full potential. It brings her joy making positive impacts in others’ lives.
Jacob Cranford is a Senior at Civic Memorial High School. He is a hard-working student athlete. He is currently in track season but also runs cross country where he is a co-captain on both teams. He works a lot with his grandparents at humane societies in addition to being a youth group leader. Outside of school and work, he loves hiking, fishing, and especially running. Jacob plans on joining the military or attending a college to continue his running career and get his degrees in Physical Therapy and athletic training. Jacob tries to inspire the younger generation to work hard on whatever they are doing, especially when it comes to running because it can be fun and rewarding.