KAFM Community Affairs: Mesa County Community Summit Preview
On the third Thursday of every month, Mesa County Department of Human Services hosts a radio segment as part of the KAFM Community Affairs Program. This month, MCDHS Child Welfare Manager Michelle Jones joins us to preview the upcoming Mesa County Community Summit on Oct. 6 and 7 at Colorado Mesa University.
The Summit brings together caregivers, caseworkers, service providers and community members from across the Western Slope. The annual event is designed to strengthen relationships, highlight innovation and provide fresh tools and perspectives for those serving children and families.
This year’s theme, Inspire, reflects the goal of leaving participants with renewed energy, new ideas and meaningful connections. “We want people to leave with hope and innovative approaches to better serve our community,” Michelle shared during the KAFM segment.
Keynote speaker Derek Clark, an international author and speaker with lived experience in the foster care system, will set the tone with a powerful message about resilience and hope. Breakout sessions will cover timely topics including intellectual and developmental disability advocacy, opioid response and AcuWellness, innovations in early childhood education as well as strategies for building resilience in casework practice.
As Michelle noted, the ripple effect of the Summit is profound. “When foster parents, caseworkers, providers, and educators come together, they find common ground, increase their skills, and create stronger connections. That ultimately leads to better outcomes for children and youth.”
The Summit is supported by partners including the Lighthouse Program, Western Colorado Community Foundation and MCDHS, with additional support from FCI. Last year’s event brought together more than 270 participants from Mesa and neighboring counties, with high satisfaction reported from attendees.
To learn more about and register for the Summit, please visit us online.
Listen to the full KAFM conversation here
