Competition
Recognizes Outstanding, Innovative Efforts That Benefit Youth
September 21, 2010: For the third year in a row, the Greater Midland community has been
named one of the 100
Best communities for young people in America. To find out some of the reasons why, check out the City of Midland YouTube video at right.
The 100
Best competition, sponsored by the
America's Promise Alliance, honors communities for their commitment to providing
healthy, safe, and caring environments for young people.
“Through countless innovative and far-reaching programs, Greater Midland works hard to ensure that our young people graduate and lead healthy, productive lives,” said Midland Mayor Maureen Donker. “We take great pride in building our children into strong, well-adjusted adults who will be equipped to take our region, state, and nation into the future.”
Greater Midland, which also won in 2007 and 2008, was recognized for the community’s youth-centered collaborations. The community demonstrates a commitment to every child from infant to college-age through its many long-standing efforts. For instance, the 20-year local Health and Human Services Council brings together representatives from area nonprofits, courts, foundations, health and human services organizations, government, schools, and churches (among others) to provide tutoring, safe places, and volunteer opportunities to area youth. In addition, programs exist that encourage youth to play a role in helping others: the Department of Human Services sponsors a board of 18-21-year-olds in foster care to help ensure there are supportive community members, mentors, and resources available to help foster kids transition successfully into adulthood.
More than 350 communities from across the nation participated in the 2010 competition.
On September 21, 2010, Greater Midland and the other winners were
recognized at a ceremony on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. In
addition to the 100 Best distinction, the top communities will receive
two road signs that identify the communities as 100 Best award winners,
a trophy to be presented to local officials, and $1,000 towards a local
celebration, which is slated for January 2011. As the celebratory event
nears, citizens are encouraged to watch this website for news on how to participate.
To find out more about the many programs and initiatives that make Greater Midland a 100 Best community for kids, click on the 2010 application (in PDF format)
at left.
More Information
For more details about the 100 Best competition and a complete list of
this year’s winning communities, please visit http://www.americaspromise.org/100Best.