Children and Youth Poised for Success

As part of a new strategic plan, this was a new goal area for LexLinc in 2006. Listed below are some of the partnerships and programs in which LexLinc has helped provide leadership.

Children and Youth Provider Cabinet.The first strategic planning session to initiate a Children and Youth Provider Cabinet occurred in September 2006. A wide range of neighborhood, educational, government, human service and community organizations participated in this and subsequent monthly meetings.

"Getting Ready for Kindergarten” Activity Calendars. In 2006, 15,000 developmental activity calendars were delivered to schools, childcare centers, libraries and agencies. In partnership with Fayette County Public Schools, LexLinc helped develop, sponsor and raise other funds for the calendars.  In 2007, the partnership delivered 5,000 calendars.
 

Children’s Day at the Capitol. For a number of years, as a sponsor of this February event, LexLinc staff served on the planning committee and assisted Kentucky Youth Advocates with preparations, including the annual advocacy training in November. 
 

One-Book-One Community. In partnership with the public library, LexLinc sponsored One-Book-One Community in April, 2007. Christopher Paul Curtis, author of “The Watsons Go to Birmingham,” spoke to parents and children about the importance of reading and writing, read from his works, answered audience questions and signed over 1,000 books during the reception.
 

Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program. In 2007 and 2008, LexLinc assisted with organizing, distributing and collecting summer youth employment applications to youth and organizations in the community. Staff also assisted with orientation for youth and employers and on matching youth for job interviews.
 

Brunch with Santa. With the purpose of raising awareness about the need for foster parents and supporting new foster parents and children at Christmas, in 2006, LexLinc raised over $4,500 in sponsorships for this event for foster children, which was attended by over 300 people. Foster parents and children attended free. As the fiscal agent, LexLinc also assisted with marketing and event preparation. Proceeds provide Christmas presents for foster children.  In 2007, LexLinc continued to serve as the fiscal agent.