It’s About Kids Leaders were joined by community leaders in Salida this week for a community discussion about child well-being and to kick off the annual It’s About Kids Retreat. The Children’s Campaign holds the event each year for It’s About Kids leaders to share information, network and plan for the coming legislative cycle.
Former First Lady Jeanne Ritter delivered remarks on mental health issues to a group of nearly 100 people, including more than 40 It’s About Kids leaders from around the state. She joined a panel discussion on the well-being of Chaffee County kids by David Blackburn, Director of Academic Affairs for the Salida School District; Monica Haskell, Supervisor of Youth, Family and Adult Services in Chaffee County; Cheryl Walker, Family Health Coordinator for Chaffee County Public Health and Chaffee County Connect for Health Colorado Manager; and Bill Jaeger, Vice President of Early Childhood Initiatives for the Children’s Campaign.
After the community luncheon and discussion, It’s About Kids leaders gathered to discuss recent policy achievements, explore trends in child well-being and plan future efforts to improve the lives of Colorado kids. The leaders were joined by State Rep. Jim Wilson and Sen. Larry Crowder to discuss the past legislative session.
The It’s About Kids Network is comprised of community leaders in 43 counties across Colorado who voice the unique needs of children in their communities, engage local and statewide policy makers and help shape the Children’s Campaign annual policy agenda.
See more photos from the event on Facebook and Flickr.
Child advocates from around the state gather on the bank of the Arkansas River in Salida for the annual It’s About Kids Retreat.
