Editorial

From Gaye Morris Smith, Executive Director
Family Connection Partnership, Inc.

We, at Family Connection Partnership, ended our Fiscal Year 2004 on June 30. First and foremost, I want to say a sincere thank you for the contributions of each staff member, collaborative, partner, and supporter in our efforts to support children, families and communities in Georgia. This issue of Connected features highlights from some of our work in 2004.

As we move on to priorities for Fiscal Year 2005, we now have new opportunities to learn more and have more conversations with others about our vision of helping partners strengthen families. Across the Family Connection network, we believe in five core concepts: collaboration, results accountability, public/private partnerships, prevention, and family-focused services and support. We know that no one public agency, nonprofit, faith-based organization, or community group alone can achieve the results we seek for our children.

One aspect of our work focuses on increasing the supports and investments to help vulnerable youth transition into adulthood. This issue of Connected takes a look at some promising practices at the national, state and local levels on behalf of these vulnerable youth.

Through collaboration we can invest our resources wisely, improve our systems of service coordination and delivery, and provide the necessary supports to Georgia's communities.

I feel rejuvenated and enthusiastic about our third year as Family Connection Partnership. I couldn't be prouder. How about you?