WARSAW — Do you know a child with special needs who has an interest in animals?

The Kosciusko County 4-H Poss-ABILITIES Program application deadline has been extended until Feb. 20.

This program offers the opportunity for youth with special needs, who may not otherwise have the opportunity to work with livestock, a chance to exhibit an animal at the Kosciusko County 4-H fair.

After signing up for 4-H the youth participate in an orientation meeting and at least three farm visits with their peer mentor, which gives them the chance to show in the Poss-ABILITIES Showcase event and exhibit what they have learned with their mentor.

Poss-ABILITIES offers paths for all youth between the ages of kindergarten and grade 12.

Youth have the opportunity to participate in mini 4-H for children between the ages of kindergarten and grade 2, and children grade 3 and older have the opportunity to buy or rent an animal, or just participate in the entry-level program which includes no cost.

Opportunities to show cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, llamas and alpacas are available.

The $20 enrollment fee has been waived with the help of generous donors.

“I would say the best part was that we were included in all aspects of it and never treated like he had a disability. And without this program he would have never got in to doing 4-H,” said Jessica Miller-Gomola, whose son participated in the program last year.

Through 4-H youth also have the opportunity to build their leadership, public speaking and communication skills by attending club meetings, workshops, camps, and enrolling in non-livestock projects such as Foods, Creative Writing, Garden, Scrapbooking, Photography, Legos and more!.

Contact the Kosciusko County Extension Office at 202 W. Main St., Warsaw or call (574) 372-2340 for more details.