FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 2, 2016) – First lady Glenna Bevin, along with Kentucky Youth Advocates, Kosair Charities and Casey Family Programs held the First Lady’s Youth Leadership Council inaugural kickoff event.
Over the course of two days, from Aug. 26-27, 13 youth representing multiple regions, backgrounds and demographics across the state met in Louisville to identify important issues affecting Kentucky’s youth. The overall goal of the Council is to identify those issues most important to young people and work on policy change to improve them.
“Youth are a powerful voice in influencing policy decisions that affect them,” said First Lady Glenna Bevin. “I’m excited to help empower our youth to speak up on issues like child abuse and foster care to make Kentucky better for all children.”
The retreat kicked off with a luncheon at Ramada Plaza on Bluegrass Parkway in Louisville. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Legislative Director Eric Clark spoke to the group, sharing his inspiring personal story of overcoming child abuse.
Friday’s activities were concluded with team building exercises.
On Saturday, the students spent time at Forest Giant, a software development company in Louisville. Forest Giant executives and employees took the youth through a workshop to identify issues important to them in the areas of child welfare, child abuse and family preservation.
Representatives Jerry Miller, Denny Butler, Joni Jenkins and Mary Lou Marzian also attended Saturday’s lunch.
This event was made possible by a partnership with Kentucky Youth Advocates and Kosair Charities, along with a $25,000 grant from Casey Family Programs. The council will meet for a 2-day retreat every quarter.
Add Comment