The Youth Volunteer Corps program through United Way of Western Connecticut has been named a Gold Level program for the fifth year in a row. It is one of 14 of these types of programs across the United States and Canada to be recognized.  Youth Volunteer Corps aims to encourage youth to be dedicated to giving back.  Groups that “serve as stand-out examples for how the program can serve its community” are given the Gold Level rating. Last year, 140 youth, ages 11 to 18, from across the Danbury area conducted services projects that benefit nonprofits, parks, senior centers and food pantries.  Two Youth Advisory Board members, Ridgefield resident Emma Kiernan and Danbury resident Connor Parille, also received the Ethic of Service award for completing 500 hours of service with the program.