Forum Aids Massachusetts in Statewide Planning Process

Forum staff is working with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to develop a statewide plan for youth with a diverse Action Planning Team (APT). Since October, APT members have been working diligently to develop comprehensive action strategies that will improve outcomes for all children and youth in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Youth Action Planning Team (APT) includes over 70 stakeholders representing advocacy groups, direct service organizations, foundations, government agencies, legislators and youth-led organizations.

At the first retreat, Karen Pittman and Brian Gallagher, the CEO of the United Way of America, spoke of the importance of integration among agencies in order to best prepare youth for college, work and life. Karen Finn, Elizabeth Gaines and Blake Dohrn traveled to Massachusetts on November 19-20 for the second phase of a statewide planning process with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Since October, APT members have been working diligently to develop comprehensive action strategies that will improve outcomes for all children and youth in Massachusetts.

To learn more about the process in Massachusetts, visit their website: http://www.inspire4life.org/youth-planning-committee.