You still haven’t registered? Here are six good reasons why you should.
Are you looking to learn more about an organization that is serving the most at-risk youth in the communities of Boston? Join us for YouthConnect’s 24th Annual Partnership Breakfast, which is being held virtually this year on Friday, November 13 from 8–9 a.m.
Registration is free and attendees will have the opportunity to hear compelling keynote remarks and first-hand stories about how YouthConnect has become a national model for urban areas dealing with youth delinquency and violence. You still haven’t registered? Here are six good reasons why you should.
1. Learn how social work is vital to social justice
Did you know that 65-70% of youth in contact with the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health disorder? At this event, you will learn how YouthConnect partners with the Boston Police Department across the city to connect social workers with the most at-risk youth in our community.
“I love working at YouthConnect because we get to work with many of Boston’s highest-risk young people,” explained Youth Connect Social Worker Kevan Barton. “I believe this allows us to make meaningful connections over a period of time that result in change and the reduction of risky behaviors and arrests. Ultimately, it can interrupt the pipeline to prison for so many young people.”
At this year’s breakfast, you will hear from YouthConnect social workers like Kevan, and learn how YouthConnect focuses on the individuals and neighborhoods that are most marginalized.
2. Hear from Life is Good Playmakers’ Steve Gross and other community leaders
Keynote speaker Steve Gross, who is the Chief Playmaker at the Life is Good Kids Foundation, will be sharing remarks on how to still make a positive difference and find optimism in the midst of helping young people cope with trauma, stress, and an ongoing pandemic.
Steve is the founder and chief playmaker of the Life is Good Kids Foundation, a non-profit that spreads the power of optimism to kids who need it most.
Additional speakers at the event will include Boston Police Commissioner William Gross, YouthConnect Executive Director Andrea Perry, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston Nicholas President and CEO Josh Kraft, and YouthConnect Board Chair Josh Klevens.
3. Hear a compelling client testimonial
Client testimonials are always the highlight of the morning, and we are excited to continue this tradition. You will have the opportunity to hear a first-hand testimonial from a program alum who will be sharing how YouthConnect made an impact in his life, and ultimately helped him leave violence behind as he works at Boston City Hall and plans for his future.
4. Experience YouthConnect’s impact from the staff perspective
In addition to a client testimonial, a YouthConnect social worker will be sharing her own testimonial for the ways she has witnessed YouthConnect create impact in the community.
“I wish everyone got to know how amazing YouthConnect clients are,” explains Stephanie Garza-Vela. “They are some of the most resilient, kind, and strong people that I have ever met.”
5. Learn about other partners and champions for youth in the community
Another YouthConnect Partnership Breakfast tradition is taking time to honor fellow non-profit partners who are working to tackle the challenging work of violence prevention alongside us.
This year, we will be presenting these partnership awards to an individual and an organization who have been on the front lines throughout the coronavirus pandemic responding to trauma and injuries and mitigating gang violence.
6. Learn how you can make an impact on YouthConnect’s mission
In addition to learning about YouthConnect’s mission, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn how to get more involved with YouthConnect as a supporter. It is through the tremendous generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations that we are able to continue helping the most at-risk young people make positive life choices through trusting relationships with skilled and compassionate social workers.
Get your YouthConnect Partnership Breakfast tickets here>>
