Celebrating Community and Resilience: The 13th Annual YouthConnect Partnership Breakfast

Recently, at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, a broad group of changemakers gathered for the 13th Annual YouthConnect Partnership Breakfast. This inspiring event brought together community leaders, advocates, and partners dedicated to empowering Boston's youth through YouthConnect, a pioneering program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) in partnership with the Boston Police Department.

YouthConnect's mission is profound: to provide violence prevention, intervention, advocacy, and mental health services to young people and their families. The breakfast was more than just a meeting; it was a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and an opportunity to uplift the voices and stories of the youth and families served by the program.

A Collective Commitment to Youth Well-Being

Throughout the morning, the theme of mental health and resilience echoed in every speech, conversation, and shared moment. YouthConnect Executive Director Kevan Barton emphasized the importance of centering well-being in all aspects of the program’s work. "We are creating spaces where youth feel supported, empowered, and heard," Barton remarked, reinforcing the program's unwavering dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and hope for Boston’s young people.

The event featured contributions from individuals who have made a tangible impact on the community. YouthConnect social workers, Boston police officers including Superintendent Nora Baston, and representatives from key partner organizations such as the Department of Youth Services, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Public Health Commission, and the Boston Housing Authority shared their insights and experiences. These partnerships are crucial in addressing the multifaceted needs of Boston’s youth.

Joshua Klevens, Chair of the YouthConnect Board, and Robert Lewis Jr., CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, highlighted the essential role that collective action plays in building stronger, more compassionate communities. Their words served as a powerful reminder that when organizations align their missions and resources, the results can be life-changing.

Building Bridges and Shaping Futures

A special moment of the morning was the address by U.S. Acting Attorney Joshua S. Levy, who applauded YouthConnect's innovative approach to violence prevention and mental health advocacy. His acknowledgment of the program's success reinforced the importance of this work in creating a safer and more supportive environment for Boston's youth.

YouthConnect’s holistic approach—bringing together law enforcement, social services, and mental health resources—stands as a model for other communities nationwide. The program doesn’t just address immediate challenges but actively works to build pathways to brighter futures.

A Grateful Reflection and a Hopeful Vision

As YouthConnect steps into its next chapter, the breakfast served as a moment to reflect on its journey and express gratitude to the many hands that make its mission possible. The unwavering support of partners, donors, and community leaders fuels the program’s daily efforts to drive meaningful change.

The event concluded with a shared sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to the work ahead. Together, YouthConnect and its partners are shaping a future where every young person in Boston has the opportunity to thrive, free from violence and surrounded by a network of care and support.