Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Spring 2006)

Research shows that kids who have at least one caring adult in their lives, in addition to their parents, are more likely to do well in school, volunteer in their community, value diversity and make good choices,” Kim Sharpe says.

“Knowing that, we all should make a special effort to befriend a child.”

As coordinator of the Healthier Communities Coalition (HCC) of Larimer County, Sharpe links people who are passionate about youth so that they may work together to help children and teens lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The HCC was established in 1994 as a vehicle to help improve the health and well-being of all Larimer County residents. Since 2002, the coalition has made youth its primary focus. Its strategic plan is based upon America’s Promise, an alliance that strives to help every child receive the Five Promises essential to success:

• Caring adults who are actively involved in their lives;

• Safe places in which to learn and grow;

• A healthy start toward adulthood;

• An effective education that builds marketable skills; and

• Opportunities to help others.

“The HCC works to better the lives of youth, giving them places to go and activities to do and helping them solve some of the problems they encounter,” says Barbara Dean, a CSU sophomore and HCC board member.

The HCC board is made up of dues-paying members representing youth services agencies, school districts, city governments, legal authorities, health organizations, businesses and individuals. With the board’s help, HCC coordinates activities that engage community members of all ages in delivering the Five Promises. At the annual Heroes Among Us celebration, for example, children and teens nominate and present awards to adults who have been significant role models and mentors.

The HCC also coordinates Party in the Park, an afternoon of music, games, crafts and food for children and teens; monthly Caring & Sharing meetings that bring agencies together to brainstorm ideas on how the community can best serve youth; and the Parent Education Network. The coalition is also working to establish a youth transportation system and standards of excellence for character development in youth sports.

On April 22, the HCC will host the inaugural Family and Youth Summit. Youth and adults are planning the one-day conference, which will feature motivating speakers and interactive breakout sessions focused on fulfilling the Five Promises.

“We hope that youth will come away from the Summit with fresh ideas about making good choices, and that adults will leave with new ideas and convictions about ways to support young people,” Sharpe says.