The 2023 CAHEC Partners Conference is fast approaching, and we have some exciting things planned this year. Below is a short list to help you get prepared for an eventful two days of networking and industry updates.

1. This year, our Tuesday night dinner will be "An Evening in Hollywood" theme. We encourage attendees to dress the part by showing up in their Oscar-ready attire, as their favorite movie character, or more casual as a movie-goer. We look forward to giving attendees the red-carpet treatment - you deserve it!
2. We will have a mobile app again this year! The conference agenda, speaker bios, and conference announcements will all be available in the palm of your hand. Be sure to watch your email for information on how to download the app before the conference.
3. We will be on social media posting updates and sharing pictures throughout the conference. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to join the conversation using #CAHECPC23.
4. Our Partners Appreciation Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 7, at 12:30 PM. Join us as we recognize the hard work and achievements of this year's CAHEC Award recipients.
5. Make sure you check out the exhibitor showcase during our networking breaks. The CAHEC Partners Conference is a great time to network, reconnect with people, and make new contacts.

Every year, National Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized in May to raise awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. One organization, Youth Villages, is working hard to shed light on the mental health issues faced by so many in our country.

Youth Villages prides itself on the success of the children they provide services to, as well as the work done with their families. A great example is helping a 12-year-old boy, Jeremy, who spent much of his early life dealing with neglect and abuse. While his parents both battled addictions, his grandfather stepped in to help take care of him, which proved to be a great struggle. Jeremy and his grandfather fought hard to overcome the behavioral health challenges associated with the trauma his parents left behind.

After Youth Villages stepped in to help provide services, they learned about Jeremy's love for racecars, and helped him fulfil his dream of being a crew member for a well-known NASCAR team. Jeremy had the best day, smiling the entire time, and allowing his worries to fade away for a moment as he lived out one of his dreams.