YES alumna and City Representative Ines Hasanagic works to combat stigma of vulnerable groups in her small town of Bihac through her various projects as a City Representative.

In October 2023, Ines organized her first project, a workshop with "Radosti Druzenja," an association for people with mental and physical disabilities. Ines organized a day-long workshop, including face painting, pumpkin carving, making candle holders, and a Halloween party.

The main focus of the project was to make these individuals happy and create connections with them. She also hoped to strengthen the association members' bond with each other. She saw the need for this project while talking to one of her professors who was volunteering at the association. This is the only association in her city dedicated to this group of people and their socialization. The people who work there are volunteers, so the association meets only when they have projects or their regular monthly hangouts.

Ines is also a president of the Student's Council in her school, and she did her second project in November 2023 with the help of the council. They organized a movie night with a discussion for the whole school. Around 50 people attended this event, and the money collected from the tickets, which was about $50, went toward buying gifts and necessities for children in a local orphanage. Ines was honored to receive the City Representative of the Month for November 2023 for her outstanding work.

Later in December, Ines organized three more activities with her council and the support of the school management to collect money for the same cause. Ines, along with the Student Council, collected over $800 for the orphanage through various projects and bought necessary items for the children.

However, they didn't just stop with clothing; they also bought them New Year's gifts, which they brought to the orphanage as a part of Ines' December project. On the last day of school, before the winter break and two days before New Year's Eve, the "New Year's Party" took place. It started with everyone making American cookies and brownies. Three students from the Student Council joined Ines as they enjoyed the day with nine of their peers from the orphanage.

Ines Hasanagic's unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in her community shines through her heartfelt initiatives as a City Representative. In a society where stigma exists, Ines took it upon herself to break down the barriers of stigma surrounding those in need. Through her diverse projects, she not only addressed immediate needs but also fostered a sense of joy, connection, and community.

Ines Hasanagic (2022-2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina, placed by AFS in Westfield, IN)