Strong Minds,
Bright Futures:
A Partnership for Child Mental Wellbeing
A growing statewide coalition committed to building a stronger future for Pennsylvania’s children. Launched in response to deep concerns raised by families, educators, health professionals, and youth during The Big Thing—a multi-year, community-driven research initiative, led by Children First, the Partnership is transforming how we support children’s mental health in our schools, communities, and care systems.
Across the Commonwealth, children and families are facing growing mental health challenges—but far too often, the systems meant to support them respond too late or not at all. Guided by five essential reforms, the Partnership is working across sectors to remove barriers to care, expand access to early intervention, and ensure that every child can thrive close to home.With Medicaid policies, local collaboration, and a commitment to prevention, Strong Minds, Bright Futures is building a system that works—for families, providers, and the future of Pennsylvania.
EVENT GUIDE:
AFFILIATE EVENTS
STRONG MINDS EVENTS
State budget decisions shape how Pennsylvania supports children, families, and the services they rely on.
We encourage everyone to join today’s briefing with Secretary Valerie Arkoosh organized by our partners at Bucks-Mont Collaborative. Secretary Arkoosh has been a strong voice on health and human services and today’s conversation will help you understand what the budget means in practice.
Today | January 6
12:00–1:00 PM (Zoom)
Register and join: buff.ly/TZ1nQFA
#StrongMindsBrightFutures #PABudgett #pahealthandhumanservices
#childmentalhealth #CommunityLeadership #communitypartnerships @followersPA's newly passed state budget brings major implications for organizations across the health and human services sector.
Join Secretary Arkoosh on January 6, 12:00-1:00pm (Zoom) for an accessible overview of key investments, shifts, risks, and areas to watch in the year ahead, plus an open Q&A to get answers to your organization’s specific questions.
This C3 session is open to all. If your work touches health and human services, you’ll want to be in the (virtual) room.
Register here: buff.ly/TZ1nQFA
#C3 = Bucks-Mont Collaborative TriCounty Community Network Interagency Council of Norristown
#PAHealthAndHumanServices #PABudget ... See MoreSee Less
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New research from one of our partners, Allies for Children, underscores what families, schools, and communities across PA have been saying for years: youth mental health needs outpace the supports currently available.
Read the report and explore the findings here: strongmindspa.org/resources/
Bridging the Gap for Youth Mental Health offers a deep look at where systems are working, and where gaps remain, across schools, out-of-school time programs, and community-based organizations in Allegheny County. The findings point to familiar themes we are advancing through Strong Minds, Bright Futures:
- prevention and early support
- strong school–community partnerships
- a supported workforce
- sustainable Medicaid and public funding
This report is a powerful reminder that removing barriers for children requires coordination, investment, and collective action.
#StrongMindsPA #YouthMentalHealth #PreventionIsPower #CommunityCare #MedicaidMatters #StrongerCommunities #AlleghenyCounty Jewish Healthcare Foundation Kutamani Developmental Services The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania Trying Together Westmoreland County Department of Human Services The Learning Lamp Access Services, Inc. Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania Early Intervention Provider's Association of PA - EIPA ... See MoreSee Less
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Applications are now open for the 2026 Virtual Youth Advocacy Series.
Learn more and apply: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXERnGeAaFzMJvOIosnLAaYmgkcoToHJBePIj9_jIo0waV-w/viewform
This statewide, virtual program supports teens in building advocacy skills, connecting with peers across Pennsylvania, and sharing their ideas with decision-makers.
We encourage educators, parents, and community partners to share this opportunity with young people in their networks.
#YouthAdvocacy #ListenToYouth #StrongMindsPA #civicengagement📢 Applications are now open for the 2026 virtual advocacy series!
▪️Learn new advocacy skills
▪️Share your ideas with statewide change makers
▪️Meet teens from across PA
🔗 in bio for more information and to apply today! ... See MoreSee Less
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