Aunt Martha's Youth Go To Washington DC

Staff members and youth volunteers from Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center participated in a nationwide symposium February 11-14, 2008 in Washington D.C.
"Sustaining Success in a Time of Change" was the theme of the 18th Annual Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Leadership Forum.  This conference attracts youth advocates and social service leaders from across the nation.
Representing Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center at the Youth Conference were Mary Jo Brill of Homewood, Youth Participation Program Coordinator, Anna Soloff of Homewood, Youth Participation Program Coordinator, along with the youth volunteers:  Andre Hubbard of Park Forest, Ozzie Moore of Park Forest, Latoyia Kelly of Park Forest, Latia Alexander of Park Forest, and Laryah Alexander of Park Forest.
Highlighting the conference was Capitol Hill Day where conference attendees rallied together on Capitol Hill in order to generate support for appropriations for prevention programs geared toward keeping youth active and drug free.  Following the rally, attendees met privately with their local legislators to discuss the importance of this type of funding.  Aunt Martha's representatives met with U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr., D-Chicago.
"One of our program goals is to show youth that they can have a voice in matters that concern them.  This visit gave them that opportunity", Mary Jo Brill said.  "Talking with one of our nation's leaders was truly an empowering experience for them."
The mission of CADCA is "To Strengthen the Capacity of Community Coalitions to Create and Maintain Safe, Healthy and Drug-Free Communities." CADCA supports its members with training and technical assistance, public policy advocacy, media strategies and marketing programs, conferences and special events.
Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center and Aunt Martha's Healthcare Network is a private, not-for-profit, regionally-based agency providing complete health and social services for family members of all ages in underserved areas across Illinois.  Established in 1972, Aunt Martha's now has services in nine counties throughout Illinois and cares for over 39,000 Illinois residents.  The agency is state licensed to provide child welfare, substance abuse treatment and child care services.  All services, including mental health and primary health care, are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).  Aunt Martha's is also a United Way partner agency.