On February 17, 2009, the Long Beach Youth Services Network will be holding its first full meeting in five years. At one time, the City of Long Beach managed a group called the Youth Services Network; it was part of the Long Beach Youth Services, under the Parks and Recreation Department. The network was designed for youth serving agencies to come together to network and collaborate. The network became inactive after changes to staffing and budget related issues.
In 2008, the Leadership Long Beach class of 2008 recognized the gap in youth services and the disconnect between youth serving agencies in the City. The group set out to organize a summit of youth serving leaders to build awareness, stumbling upon the dormant Youth Services Network (YSN). They decided as a class project to bring previous membership of the Youth Services Network together to discuss how Long Beach resources can be united to better server the community’s youth. The project was tagged, “Connecting the Dots… to Serve our Youth,” and was attended by former YSN executive committee members. During the meeting the LLB group collected data to assess the need and value of a Youth Services Network. After the data was compiled from the over 20 participants, they decided it was time to reinvigorate the Youth Service Network. Instead of reinventing the wheel, they decided to use a model and platform that had proven successful.
A planning group made up of 2008 LLB Alumni and other community leaders set a simple goal, “to improve the lives of youth and children of Long Beach through interconnection of youth serving organizations.” One step in reaching this goal was to jump-start the dormant YSN.
After almost a year of planning and networking, the reinvigorated YSN, powered by community members will host its inaugural meeting. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at the First Congregational Church (Corner of 3rd & Cedar), 7:30am – 9:00am. The meeting will be an opportunity for representatives of youth serving agencies to interact with each other. The discussion topic is “Sustainability in Uncertain Economic Times.” Rethinking Greater Long Beach, a community-based think tank, will be presenting on a database they have created for the use of community-based organizations.
Tom Farrand, LLB Alumni, said, “We have gotten a tremendous response, over 60 individuals representing youth serving agencies and organizations from across Long Beach have confirmed attendance. We are excited to bring so many agencies together under one roof.”
Sponsors of the meeting include: the Coffee Bean, First Congregational Church, Leadership Long Beach, Farrand Research Corporation.
For more information on the upcoming meeting or the YSN please contact [email protected].