Collective Impact Forum’s Post

Two of our incredible member organizations, Children's Institute, and Two Feathers Native American Family Services, have been awarded grant funding as part of the Elevate Youth California (EYC) program! This initiative, spearheaded by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), is providing nearly $65.5 million to expand substance use disorder (SUD) prevention programs for youth across the state. - Children's Institute, Inc. received $800,000 to empower Black and Latinx youth in Los Angeles through leadership development, peer mentoring, and community-building efforts that build protective factors against substance use. - Two Feathers Native American Family Services was awarded $1 million to engage Native youth in Humboldt County with intergenerational mentorship, advocacy skill-building, and cultural revitalization to address root causes of substance use in tribal communities. These grants are critical for supporting culturally responsive, trauma-informed programs that foster resilience, healing, and positive change. Let’s celebrate these achievements and the ongoing work to build brighter futures for California’s youth! 

We are thrilled to unveil the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families' 2025-2030 Strategic Plan—a historic milestone for our agency! This comprehensive plan is our roadmap to building a stronger, more equitable system of care that centers on safety, stability, and thriving outcomes for children and families across the state. The plan focuses on key priorities: -Prevention: Addressing challenges before they escalate. -Accountability: Ensuring transparency and measurable outcomes. -Collaboration: Partnering with families, communities, and stakeholders. -Engagement: Amplifying the voices of those we serve. This transformative initiative reflects our commitment to reducing reliance on congregate care, expanding home- and community-based services, and addressing systemic inequities to ensure every child grows up in a safe, loving environment. Join us on this journey to create lasting change. Learn more about our vision and priorities! Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Rhode Island's children and families! Larome Myrick, PhD, Misty Delgado, Esq., Brandi DiDino, Melissa Aguiar-Rivard, LMHC

The SBA Cleveland District Office recently visited the new location for the The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development (NEOHCED). A key resource in supporting small businesses as the host for the Small Business Development Centers program and the lead organization for the La Villa Hispana. They are dedicated to fostering equitable growth and providing technical assistance, training, and advocacy for Latino and underserved communities in Cleveland. 

Do you want to learn how to become an agent of change? Join us for our next M.A. in Advocacy and Equity Studies Virtual Information Session on November 19 at 12:30 p.m. This program is designed for problem-solvers and community leaders: those who see issues in society and want to make a change. Register below to learn more about the goals and outcomes of our master’s program. Register here: https://ow.ly/sIJf50U4BZ7

The Barnes & Thornburg Racial and Social Justice Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to La Casa de San Gabriel Community Center. This organization supports economically disadvantaged children and families in overcoming challenges such as limited education, underemployment, language barriers, inadequate housing and lack of medical care. I am proud to be part of a firm committed to promoting, advocating for and effecting racial and social justice in our local communities and across the nation. https://bit.ly/41zj9iB

August is National Civic Health Month. The National Civic League has created a civic health index that includes seven components of community-based civic capital: engaged residents, inclusive community leadership, collaborative institutions, embracing diversity and equity, authentic communication, a culture of engagement, and shared vision and values. Here in Arkansas, it is in our best interests, and in the best interests of our children and grandchildren, that we elect leaders who make it their mission to create and sustain civic health infrastructure that empowers the citizens of Arkansas to build livable communities where we all can thrive together. Read the 2023 Arkansas Civic Health Index, that I co-authored, to find out what our elected officials should be thinking about to improve our state's civic health: https://lnkd.in/gqaPARWU

I was busy being in the moment this holiday season and didn't have a chance to share Team Friday's 2024 communications impact wrap-up! It was a year filled with meaningful partnerships and impactful campaigns that touched the lives of countless Californians. From housing security to public health and economic empowerment, we’re proud of the strides we made together. Check out a few of our top highlights from 2024: 🌟 Advancing public health with LA County, focusing on Black Maternal Health, vaccine awareness, gun violence prevention, and more.  🌟Working with the State of CA to elevate consumer health care rights awareness.  🌟 Partnering with Lendistry to support housing security through Rent Assistance campaigns. 🌟 Launching the Legacy Business Program with LA City to uplift longtime community businesses with 20+ years of community impact. 🌟 Supporting the LA County Economic Mobility Initiative to uplift small business resources and opportunities. Cheers to us all doing more good work in 2025!

🌟 SIBS Support IN is Here! 🌟 I’m thrilled to introduce my capstone project for the ANCOR Leadership Academy Class of 2026: SIBS Support IN! As a sibling of someone with disabilities, I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate Indiana’s Medicaid system, advocate for a loved one, or process the unique emotions that come with being a sibling. On the provider side, I’ve had the advantage of “inside knowledge,” but what about siblings who don’t? SIBS Support IN was created to change that—to connect, support, and empower siblings across Indiana so that no one feels alone in this journey. 💙 We’re looking for siblings to join our mission! Whether you’re a sibling looking for support, a sibling advocate, or someone passionate about making a difference, we’d love for you to be part of our growing community. Here’s how you can get involved: 🌐 Visit our website: sibssupportin.org – Learn more about our mission, vision, and how you can make an impact. The website is still being updated so check in frequently for updates! 👍 Like and follow us on Facebook (SIBS Support IN): Get updates, join events, and connect with others who share your experiences. 📣 Help us spread the word: Share our website and Facebook page with your networks, and invite other siblings to join the movement! 📚 Volunteer for educational opportunities: Help us provide workshops, trainings, and resources to empower siblings across Indiana. This isn’t just a project—it’s a movement to create meaningful change for siblings and their loved ones. Join us, and let’s make a difference together! 👉 Click sibssupportin.org now to learn more and get involved. We can’t wait to hear from you! #SIBSSupportIN #SiblingLeadership #ANCORLeadership2026 #JoinUs #MakeAnImpact

The phrase "get involved" is often used to encourage civic participation, but the reality is more complex than simply attending the next board or committee meeting. Effecting change in a system requires knowledge, and many individuals who are passionate about community issues often find it challenging to know where to begin. This challenge has inspired CDP's newest initiative in our Housing Advocacy Department: Project 365. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eCs5zgK6 >>

Did you know that approximately 55% of the state’s population lives in a defined child care desert? And, that number expands to 68% in rural Oklahoma? At OPSR, we remain committed to finding sustainable solutions to these challenges by advocating for: - Increased public investment in early childhood education and care - Exploration of new public-private partnerships to support providers Together, we can build a brighter future for Oklahoma’s children.