FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2023
CARBONDALE - Recognizing that children and youth are the future of the community, the City of Carbondale has partnered with community members to launch the Carbondale Community Cabinet for Children and Youth, a new approach to planning and coordination.
This unique initiative aims to make Carbondale an even better place for families, with an emphasis on child well-being and student success. The Cabinet, composed of eighteen dedicated community members, will provide advisory support to the Carbondale City Manager's office, focusing on developing strategies that address the needs and priorities of children, youth, and families residing within the Carbondale Community High School District #165, encompassing the Carbondale, DeSoto, Giant City, and Unity Point elementary districts.
Through a comprehensive and collaborative planning process, the Cabinet will engage parents, educators, business owners, community leaders, and stakeholders to identify and prioritize the needs of children and youth. Cabinet members will work closely with these groups to develop strategies that address those needs, fostering a community that supports the well-being and success of all children and youth, from cradle to career. By coordinating existing resources and actively engaging with the community, the Cabinet aims to bridge gaps and create a nurturing environment for young individuals.
The Cabinet is excited to invite parents and caregivers to a series of meetings designed to gather input focused on different age groups. The first meetings, focusing on early childhood (birth to six years), will take place on June 26th from 6 pm to 9 pm and repeated on June 27th from 9 am to 12 pm. These sessions will be held at SIUC Head Start, located at 1900 N Illinois in Carbondale. The first 50 parents/caregivers attending each session will receive a $10 grocery gift card. While registration is not required, it is kindly requested to help the Cabinet with planning.
Dr. Daniela Lewy of Social Determinants of Health Consulting will facilitate the sessions. She has been working with the Cabinet to review community data and stakeholder mapping.
The discussions will cover vital topics such as child care, early education, health, safety, and family support. The Cabinet is committed to ensuring equity and inclusion, recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by some children and youth in achieving success.
“We believe that every child and youth in our community deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said City Manager, Gary Williams. “By taking this new approach to planning, we can build a brighter future for our community and ensure that all our young people have the chance to succeed.”
All community members are invited to participate in the planning process and share ideas and feedback. Investing in the well-being of children and youth is essential to the future of our community.
For more information, contact the Cabinet Facilitator, Lori Longueville, at 618-924-0504 or [email protected]