Mission Statement

As the planning entity for Cuyahoga County, the Family & Children First Council promotes a collaborative system of care emphasizing coordination across a continuum of family-centered, neighborhood based, culturally competent services to ensure the well-being of every child, and to preserve and strengthen families in their communities.

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Youth

Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) membersYouth Advisory Committee (YAC) 

In 2005, the Cuyahoga County Family and Children First Council and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health began the youth-led Cuyahoga County Youth Advisory Committee as a component of the Wellness program. The objectives of the Youth Advisory Committee are to provide youth with opportunities to discuss issues important to them, solicit opinions of peers, serve as youth representatives, and promote youth development. Through participation on Youth Advisory Committee, young people work in partnership with adults to become leaders on issues that matter to them and develop skills that will be useful for the rest of their lives. 

The YAC has teams focused on topics important to youth and their communities, which help young people build skills and create positive change. The focus areas include:

- Health & Fitness
- Multimedia
- Advocacy
- Event Planning
- Education
- Service Learning  

The Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) completed and won an RFP process to be the Youth Advisory Committee vendor. OSUE will be responsible for recruiting and training youth to participate and attend subcommittee meetings to provide the youth perspective.

For more information please visit the YAC website, www.empower-youth.org, or contact Robin Stone at (216) 429-8200, ext. 234.  

The Ohio State University Extension
9127 Miles Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44105
Phone: (216) 429-8200
Fax: (216) 429-3146



MyCom

In 2006, the Cleveland Foundation undertook research to identify and evaluate existing programs and services for youth in Greater Cleveland. Based on its findings, the foundation convened many key community partners to create an effective system to support our young people. Cuyahoga County stepped up early and in a big way, with $3.4 million and a commitment to manage day-to-day operations of MyCom through its Family and Children First Council.

Today, this youth movement -- MyCom -- aims to inspire and prepare Greater Cleveland’s young people, kindergarten through graduation, to reach their full potential and become good citizens. It exposes youth to a variety of activities and experiences that allow them to explore new interests and learn new skills. It connects them to a network of caring and committed adults -- teachers, mentors, employers, and others -- who offer guidance and encouragement. MyCom prepares Greater Cleveland’s young people to enter early adulthood with the ability to foster healthy relationships throughout their lives and the skills to compete in a global economy.

To learn more, visit mycom.net/youth.