June 2019

Monthly News and Updates

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Collaboration Council Hosts Youth Community Forum on Policing in Montgomery County. On June 6th, the Collaboration Council sponsored a youth community forum with County Executive Marc Elrich and Councilmember Will Jawando at John F. Kennedy High School. Youth from around the county shared their thoughts and concerns regarding policing in Montgomery County. As the County Executive continues the search for Montgomery County's next police chief, he and Councilmember Jawando wanted to ensure that youth voice and input were adequately captured in the decision-making process. The youth forum was closed to the public allowing for an honest and open conversation between the youth and community leaders. The Collaboration Council thanks both the County Executive and Councilmember for taking time to hear from the youth of Montgomery County. Most importantly, we appreciate the young people who participated in the conversation.

County Executive Marc Elrich And Councilmember Will Jawando

AYD Participants

Community of Practice In the month of June the Youth Development Community of Practice (CoP) offered 8 training opportunities for youth development practitioners in Montgomery County. Topics included Group Games Training, and 4 trainings from the Youth Quality Program Assessment (YPQA) series. The Advancing Youth Development (AYD) 2 day training was successfully completed by 27 youth program staff. Teen Life Coach Certification Training was completed by 18 youth development practitioners representing Systems of Care/Bridges to the Future, MC Department of Recreation Youth Development, HHS Child Welfare, and Crittenton Services. The certification process includes in person training, online learning, coaching practice support, participant guide, and access to online tools. Click here to watch a video overview of the 2 day Advancing Youth Development training.

Opioid Community Forum: Rockville Senior Center We hosted our fourth Know the Risks about Opioids education and awareness forum on June 6, 2019 at Rockville Senior Center. A partnership with Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services and The City of Rockville, the forum featured a presentation from Safeway’s Pharmacy Resident, Victoria Zhu, Pharm.D, and Corporal Ken Mattney from the Rockville City Police Department, and focused on educating Montgomery County seniors, caregivers and families on the effects of opioid use and misuse, pain management alternatives and safe storage and disposal of prescription opioids.

Pharmacy Resident, Victoria Zhu, Pharm.D

Maryland’s Children’s Cabinet Awards $1.5 Million to Montgomery County Collaboration Council to expand services for local youth The Maryland’s Children’s Cabinet, along with the Governor’s Office for Children - a division of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, awarded $1,592,169 to the Montgomery County Collaboration Council supporting existing programs and expansion of new services for children and families across the county.  Click here to read the full Press Release.

Summer Kick Back participants Bridges to the Future: Pop-up Activities Bridges to the Future support activities provide youth and young adults with opportunities to socialize in a safe environment while building skills and friendships. Young adults with mental health challenges often feel overwhelmed, disconnected, and isolated. Activities chosen are meant to reduce isolation and stigma within the community and teach coping skills. These pop-up activities provide access to positive experiences, interesting hobbies, and builds skills that can be used to cope with stress and provide the foundation for wellness. These activities build on self-care and strategies to ease the stress of transitioning into adulthood and provides activities to enjoy on their journey. The Bridges to the Future team closed out the month with the "Summer Kick Back" program where young adults created their own T-shirts, enjoyed a live DJ, food as well a chance to learn more about the Mo.County ALLSTARS program. To find out about upcoming Bridges to the Future events click here .

Maryland United 4 Youth Conference The 2019 Maryland United for Youth Conference is designed to support change-makers to feel unified, supported and inspired. The work of changing the status quo is challenging, making it essential to prioritize connection and personal well-being in the process. Click here to register.