Past Forums
Fall Faith Forum - October 28th, 2010 - The Church of St. Stephen
Building for the Future: Investing in Today's Youth
- How can your faith community help our youth grow into healthy, caring & responsible adults?
- How can we help our kids thrive rather than simply survive?
- Let's celebrate the many ways our community supports youth and then expand on them.
Today's youth are un-mined diamonds that need to be listened to and encourage to think long-term.
That's the message that Chris Brooks, World Vision executive director, shared with those gather together at the Fall Faith Forum with his presentation "Un-mined Acres of Diamonds: Identy Formation in Children and Youth".
There was also a community response panel that discussed how local groups are meeting the needs of youth and how others can join in their efforts. Breakouts included: Mental Health: Achieving Youth Mental Wellness, Mentoring: A Tool for Empowering Our Youth, and Beyond Homework Help: Spurring Student Success.
Spring Faith Forum - April 22nd, 2010 - Constance Free Church
Homelessness in Anoka County Part II: More Than A Band-Aid Approach.
Cheree Langmade, RN & outreach worker at The Bridge for Youth, grew up in Anoka County & experienced homelessness for the first time when she was 12 years old. Cheree shared her personal story of homelessness, including how she survived on the streets and what motivated her to seek not only stable housing, but to create a life and a future for herself and her family.
Cheree's story was followed by three breakout sessions revolving around homelessness:
- Veterans & Homelessness - What's the Connection?
- Domestic Violence and Homelessness
- Stable Mental Health-Stable Housing
We also featured a panel from various faith community representatives who shared the creative & collaborative ways they are responding to homelessness.
