The United Agenda for Children is a coalition of citizens, civic leaders, businesses, government and community agencies who have united to make sure every child in Henderson County is safe, healthy and well educated.

On October 20, 2007, the United Agenda for Children hosted a citizen engagement event called Speak Out for Kids.  During Speak Out for Kids, residents who demographically matched our community joined together to discuss the issues facing children in our community and to set priorities for our children in the areas of health, safety and education.

United Agenda for Children Coalition Members

 

Download our SUMMARY REPORT from Speak Out for Kids

Download the FINALREPORT and data analysis from Speak Out for Kids

Download the KEYS TO SUCCESS of the United Agenda for Children, prepared for the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

 

THE PRIORITIES:

EDUCATION

Create more after school programs
Develop programs that help young people make post graduation plans*

Improve School Facilities

Increase Teacher Pay

Provide parent education

Increase access to preschool education through increased subsidies and additional preschool spaces*
  
HEALTH
Provide school nurses at nationally recommended ratios* 
Provide sex education in schools
Increase mental health services for children in the community and in schools* 
Provide meals for children that are nutritious and include locally grown produce
Improve the health delivery system by preventing duplication and evaluating services
  
SAFETY

Mentoring programs for at risk youth* 

Drug prevention and education

Social venues for teens* 
Safe, affordable housing*

Create a community forum for everyone involved in juvenile justice to get everyone on the same page

Provide parent education to reduce abuse and delinquency in adolescents

*denotes top priorities in each section

 
United Agenda for Children Implementation Team
This committee is responsible for guiding the implementation process of the priorities set at Speak Out for Kids.
 
Maurean Adams, Children and Family Resource Center

Betsy Alexander, Henderson County Department of Public Health

McCray Benson, Community Foundation of Henderson County

Ruth Birge, Times-News

David Cook, Interfaith Assistance Ministries

Elisha Freeman, UAC Priority Implementation Manager

Shea Henson, Smart Start of Henderson County

Steve Kirkland, United Way of Henderson County

Renee Kumor, author, child advocate and former county commissioner

Chuck McGrady, Henderson CountyCommissioner

Liston Smith, Henderson County Department of Social Services

Rick Stewart, retired community volunteer

Todd Webb, President of the Board, Children and Family Resource Center