Editorial

Editorial from the Desk of Gaye Morris Smith
Executive Director, Family Connection Partnership

As we move rapidly through the 2006 session of the General Assembly, I am reminded how we are all integrally connected in this work to improve outcomes for children and families in Georgia. This Family Connection cause and our goals are shared with so many fellow advocates, policymakers, and citizens across Georgia.

We are proud to have more than 3,000 partners collaborating in our local communities, within regions, and through statewide ventures to bring about positive changes for our children and families.

As we celebrated Family Connection Day with the theme "Communities in Progress," we can commemorate the 15th year of progress in collaboration at the local level in Georgia. Your local leadership and dedication-coupled with the investment of our state policymakers-have led to a Family Connection in every county in Georgia.

In this issue of Connected, we feature highlights of our annual Winter Training Event, Family Connection Day, and our inspirational youth keynote speakers. Our youth continue to challenge us in shaping and framing the future with them by our sides. We certainly can't do this work without them.

This Connected issue also highlights recently released reports by Family Connection Partnership, resources that will help county collaboratives in their planning around high school graduation, and best practices for implementing stable, self-sufficient family strategies.

I look forward to what the next 15 years of collaboration will bring. Mounting evidence shows that improving outcomes for children results from unified efforts from all segments of the community. We stand ready, as always, as an advocate and partner to ensure that children are healthy, ready to start and succeed in school, and have stable, self-sufficient families that live in strong communities.