Do You Know Someone Making a Difference in the Lives of Central Indiana Youth?

Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) has announced a new awards program that promotes the work of youth development professionals. The Champions for Youth Awards recognize youth workers who have made a significant impact in the lives of young people.

The Champions for Youth Awards are designed to specifically honor excellence and impact from youth workers – those who show a unique and authentic commitment to supporting young people of any age. Youth development professionals like these approach their work in a number of ways, but have one thing in common: they combine high expectations with high levels of support to help young people discover success.

Through a competitive process, MCCOY is awarding $300 to the winning Champion and $200 to her or his organization, and two $100 awards for second and third places. The community decides; online voting begins next fall, but nominations begin now.

Do you know someone who you think would make a great Champion for Youth? Click here to get started.

2010 EASY Book Now Available!

Some economists are saying that the recession may be coming to an end. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean an end to the struggles faced by many families in central Indiana. Marion County Commission On Youth, Inc. (MCCOY) recently announced the arrival of its 2010 EASY Book (Essential Aid and Services for You). The guidebook provides important resources aimed at assisting families with basic needs, health care, life skills, and legal services among others.

Read full article.

Early Intervention & Prevention Community Roundtable

Community Roundtable to Bring People from All Sectors Together to Identify Strengths, Needs and Gaps in Early Intervention and Prevention Services in Marion County

What: Early Intervention and Prevention (EIP) Community Roundtable
When: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 1pm-5pm
Where: Children's Bureau - Gene Glick Family Support Center, 1575 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street Indianapolis, 46202

Read full release.

Initiative Will Reduce the Number of Families in the Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice Systems

Steering Committee Formed to Develop a Three-Year Strategic Plan
Both common sense and science indicate that addressing the risk factors in a child’s life as comprehensively and as early as possible can make the critical difference in changing that child’s life—and his or her potential to make positive contributions to our community for the better. To reach that goal Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) has assembled an Early Intervention and Prevention (EIP) Steering Committee to guide the formation and implementation of a three-year strategic plan for early intervention and prevention services in Marion County, the goal of which will be to reduce risk factors and promote an asset-rich community for children and families, ultimately reducing the number of children and families who become involved in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems. Read full article.

MCCOY Hires Staff to Focus on Supporting Youth Workers & Youth-Serving Organizations

Working with youth is one of the most important jobs there is. Professional youth workers help young people become healthy and productive adolescents and grow into adulthood by focusing on assets and building caring relationships. For over fifteen years, Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) has provided a wide range of learning and networking opportunities for youth development professionals and youth-serving organizations. To continue drive this effort MCCOY has hired Shaunette Byers, Community Initiatives Coordinator, to lead both the Learning Network and Youth Program Quality Improvement/Assessment (YPQA/I) initiatives.

Read full article.

MCCOY Hires Staff to Focus on Early Intervention & Prevention Initiative

Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) has hired three new staff to focus on their Early Intervention and Prevention initiative: Shanna Malott, Early Intervention Community Coordinator, Connie Berg, Early Intervention Resource Development Officer, and Emily Chew, Early Intervention Assistant.

Read the full press release

Young People Honored for Their Dedication to Summer Learning

MCCOY and the partners of the Summer Youth Program Fund award 22 local young people with the Excellence in Summer Service Education Award.
Read full press release and each winner's story.

Posted using ShareThis

Business and Community Leaders to Share Insight on How Community Can Champion Youth

MCCOY announced its line-up of breakout presenters for Central Indiana’s Summit for Student Success: Bringing the Community Together to Tackle the Dropout Challenge, which will be held at Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis on Monday, August 10, 2009. Presenters include Nick Weber, Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis, Rick Fuson, Executive Senior VP for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Dr. Jackie Greenwood, Director of Secondary Schools for IPS, Bill Corley, President & CEO of Community Health Network and David Harris, President & CEO of the Mind Trust.
Read full article.

Indianapolis Celebrates National Summer Learning Day: Photos

Children filed into the gymnasium at St. Richard School on Thursday, July 9th, joining community leaders, youth workers and other caring adults to celebrate National Summer Learning Day. Filling the bleachers, they cheered as Willis Bright, Director of Youth Programs at Lilly Endowment, asked them if they were learning new skills and having fun in programs this summer. Through performances and discussion, these youth shared the great experiences they are having while participating in programs that provide safe places, opportunities for learning, and fun activities throughout the summer.

Read more & see photos from the event.

Registration Now Open for Central Indiana's Summit for Student Success

Keynote Speakers to Include Tarik Glenn, Tony Bennett and Karen Pittman
MCCOY announced that registration opened this week for Central Indiana's Summit for Student Success: Bringing the Community Together to Tackle the Dropout Challenge, which will be held at Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis on Monday, August 10, 2009. Keynote speakers include Tarik Glenn, former Colts offensive tackle and Founder of D.R.E.A.M. Alive, Dr. Tony Bennett, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Indiana, and Karen Pittman, Executive Director of the Forum for Youth Investment in Washington, DC.
Read full article.

Indianapolis Celebrates Summer Learning

Local Celebration Shines Spotlight on Programs that Combat Summer Daze
National Summer Learning Day Provides Opportunity to Honor and Raise Awareness about the Benefits of Summer Youth Programs

“There are literally hundreds of quality summer programs and learning experiences in central Indiana that offer a safe place, caring adults, and countless occasions for children and youth to expand their horizons, develop their talents, and build their skills,” says John Brandon, MCCOY President. “Our Summer Learning Day Celebration will honor these programs that combat summer learning loss and help kids in Indiana get ahead.”

Summer Learning Day Agenda

Posted using ShareThis

MCCOY Seeks Proposals from Organizations Supporting Positive Outcomes for Youth

Does your agency offer opportunities for young people to develop the skills necessary for learning, leading, thriving, connecting or working? Are you involved in a successful partnership or initiative achieving positive outcomes for youth? Do you utilize an approach you believe to be cutting-edge or "best practice"? If so, consider sharing your experience and insight with community and business leaders at Central Indiana's Summit for Student Success: Bringing the Community Together to Tackle the Dropout Challenge, which will be held at Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis on Monday, August 10, 2009.
Read complete article.

Souder Reconsidering Sponsorship of the Federal Youth Coordination Act

Community Support Was Key - And Still Is Key

On March 18, MCCOY sent a sign-on letter in support of the Federal Youth Coordination Act (H.R. 7004) to Representative Mark Souder of Indiana's 3rd Congressional District. The letter was signed by 38 organizations and 109 individuals from across Indiana and urged Souder, Indiana's only representation on the Education and Labor Committee, to support the creation of a White House Office on Children and Youth by signing on as an original co-sponsor of the bill.

Souder originally declined co-sponsorship, but after receiving the sign-on letter a week after the Indy Star Online published an article on March 11, he is now reconsidering. "You are indeed having a great effect," said Thaddeus Ferber of the Forum for Youth Investment, who has been working intimately with the Souder and his staff in Washington D.C. on this initiative. Ferber reported that because of MCCOY's great advocacy, "Souder's office changed their tune from a 'no' to a 'maybe."

Read complete article.

Hoosiers Support Legislation to Coordinate Youth Services and Programs

MCCOY Urges Community to Support the Federal Youth Coordination Act by Joining the 36 Organizations and 100 Individuals Who Have Signed a Letter of Support

MCCOY is asking the community to sign a letter of support for the Federal Youth Coordination Act (H.R. 7004). This bill seeks to create a White House Office on Children and Youth, which would strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of youth programs and services. The letter is directed to Representative Mark Souder of Indiana's 3rd Congressional District, who is a member of the Education & Labor Committee. As of Tuesday, 100 individuals and 36 organizations have signed the letter of support.
Read full article.