Over 140 stakeholders convened on Thursday, March 14, for the 6th Dare County State of the Child Conference, addressing critical issues impacting local youth. Supported by a Community Enrichment Grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF), the event was organized by the Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County (CYP) to tackle pressing concerns such as child care, mental health, and youth enrichment.
Established in 1994, CYP is committed to ensuring all children and adolescents in Dare County have access to essential resources. The OBCF grant, a testament to their ongoing partnership, enabled the successful execution of the conference, which emphasized the significance of high-quality early learning opportunities for youth across the Outer Banks.
Co-chaired by Beth Storie and Tess Judge, the conference featured insightful presentations by local professionals and parents, shedding light on the challenges faced by Dare County’s youth. From addressing the child care shortfall to enhancing mental health services, attendees actively participated in discussions aimed at fostering resilience and creating a nurturing environment for children to thrive.
Early Childhood Specialist and National Trainer Dr. Nefertiti Poyner from the Devereux Center for Resilient Children was one of the presenters at the conference. “I have the honor and privilege of sharing the hopeful message of resilience with others,” said Dr. Poyner. “During my presentation, I spoke of “rain and umbrellas.” We can think of the challenges we face in life as the rain that falls on us. When it’s raining, we need an umbrella. The umbrella symbolizes the collective effort and the various elements required to build a resilient community that can protect and nurture our children.”
As Dare County continues to grapple with child care accessibility and mental health concerns, CYP remains committed to collaborative efforts aimed at fulfilling the needs of children, youth, families, and educators.
“We are grateful for the generous support from the Outer Banks Community Foundation,” remarked Sara Sampson, Executive Director of CYP. “The overwhelming community engagement underscores the urgency of our mission. By fostering collaboration and exploring long-term solutions, we aim to safeguard the well-being of our children and community.”
For the full Outer Banks Community Foundation story about the conference, visit https://obcf.org/state-of-the-child-2024/
To learn more about CYP’s initiatives, visit DareKids.org.
For further information about the Outer Banks Community Foundation and its Community Enrichment Grants, please visit OBCF.org/grants/community-enrichment-grants-guidelines/.
About Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County:
CYP is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting children and families with resources to support their well-being. Since its inception, CYP has spearheaded initiatives and programs aimed at ensuring the healthy development of children from birth through adolescence.
About Outer Banks Community Foundation:
The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.