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
Lehigh Valley families we’re coming together for children.
Youth across our region are experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress at higher rates than ever. But too often, support comes too late.
That’s why Strong Minds, Bright Futures is hosting a Community Dialogue in Lehigh Valley to talk about real solutions.
-Wednesday, March 4
- 5:00–7:00 PM
- Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, Easton
This is a space to:
- Share what’s working
- Identify barriers to care
- Elevate prevention and early support
- Strengthen school and community partnerships
Youth, parents, educators, providers, and community leaders are all welcome. Children are welcome too.
Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/childrens-mental-health-listening-session-lehigh-valley-tickets-198160010024...
#StrongMindsPA #LehighValley #YouthMentalHealth #PreventionIsPower #CommunityDialogue
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Lehigh Valley — your voice matters.
Join Strong Minds, Bright Futures for a Children’s Mental Health Listening Session on:
- Wednesday, March 4
- 5:00–7:00 PM
- Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 (6 Danforth Drive, Easton, PA)
We’re bringing together families, youth, educators, providers, and community leaders to talk honestly about:
• What’s working
• Where access breaks down
• What children and families need now
This is a solutions-focused conversation about prevention, connection, and strengthening supports for kids across Lehigh Valley.
Children are welcome. All perspectives matter.
Register in advance: www.eventbrite.com/e/childrens-mental-health-listening-session-lehigh-valley-tickets-198160010024...
Together, we can remove barriers and build stronger futures for our children.
#StrongMindsPA #LehighValley #YouthMentalHealth #CommunityDialogue #ListenToYouth #PreventionIsPower
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Lancaster County showed up this week.
Families, educators, providers, and community leaders came together at Burrowes Elementary School to talk honestly about what children need to succeed and what’s standing in the way.
We are grateful to our local partners and speakers:
Dr. Jeffrey Martin (Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health)
Anna Brendle Kennedy (Touchstone Foundation)
Alex Rohrer (Senior Community School Director at Burrowes Elementary)
NAMI Lancaster County PA
Mental Health America
Access Services, Inc.
It is also important to recognize the elected officials who took the time to come, listen, and participate in the conversation: Sen. James Malone Rep. Nikki Rivera Alice Yoder, Lancaster County Commissioner School District of Lancaster Director Anita Pilkerton Plumb
Many parents, providers, and youth who shared their voices. Families spoke about long waitlists, care gaps, drop-offs in support, and navigating confusing systems. But they also lifted up solutions that are working even if these programs are not fully funded or staffed. School-based counseling, peer supports, services provided by community partnerships, and trusted adults who show up every day.
Prevention. Connection. Workforce. Sustainable funding. These are some of the things Lancaster’s voices lifted up that are shaping statewide reforms. Together we will care for our families and help our children succeed in and outside of school.
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