The Children, Youth & Families Program has had a longstanding commitment to improving the lives of families and children, with a particular focus on the disadvantaged. The program helps children become stronger, more capable learners; assists families to become self-sufficient and critical partners in improving children’s learning and healthy development; and guides youth to evolve into more successful, more productive citizens.

There are many challenges to meeting these goals. Not enough children are receiving the indisputable benefits of high-quality early care and education or health care. Many parents, particularly those in low–income situations, are not able to connect to economic-improvement opportunities or parenting information that would boost the quality of their family lives. For adolescents in the region, access to quality, engaging out-of-school-time programs is limited.

If these deficiencies in community infrastructure are not addressed, a significant percentage of the population will be left behind. CY&F staff is dedicated to supporting initiatives that eliminate these deficiencies, which affect the health of the entire region.