Action for Children staff, local service providers and advocates came together in northeastern North Carolina on August 7, 2009 for the kick-off event for Communities for a Better Tomorrow (CfBT), an Action for Children N.C. initiative.

Communities for a Better Tomorrow aims to enhance four northeastern N.C. counties’ efforts to keep troubled youth out of or prevent their further involvement in the juvenile justice system. The four-county collaborative, including Halifax, Northampton, Bertie and Hertford counties, works to strengthen community partnerships through advocacy and technical assistance.

The kick-off event brought together service providers, court counselors, judges, the faith community, law enforcement, business leaders and child and family advocates from the four counties.

Communities for a Better Tomorrow has made available a state-wide, web-based database of agencies and individuals who provide mental health services for youth. For more information or to use the database of service providers, please visit Communities for a Better Tomorrow's website at http://www.cfbtnc.org.

Dr. Claude Odom, N.C. DJJDP Eastern Area Administrator and Barb Bradley, CEO of Action for Children N.C., welcome everyone to the kickoff event.

Kickoff Attendees

Mike Reider, Deputy Secretary of N.C. DJJDP, engages in conversation with local court counselors.

District 6A chief court counselor Jennifer Short and District 6B chief court counselor Clarence High, Jr. share a laugh after their presentation.

Terry Sledge, Weldon City Schools, Barbara Hasty, Golden Leaf Foundation and Ann Parker, Operation Restart, discuss the day's events.

Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald reporter Tonsa Walton-Gary interviews Ray Brown, CEO of B.E.A.R.S.

Kickoff Attendees