Systems change nonprofit receives national designation

Nonprofit

Dec 22

Written By Staff

KConnect has earned the Systems Change designation from StriveTogether in recognition of its impact on the lives of youth across Kent County. The achievement, held by only 17 communities nationwide, recognizes the community’s success in changing systems through policy, practice, and resource alignment - resulting in improved cradle-to-career outcomes.

As a member of the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network, KConnect is part of a national movement working to put millions more young people on a path to economic mobility. Cradle to Career Network members change how their communities work together by building connections, sharing resources, and using data to help young people meet key life milestones and ultimately thrive.

“KConnect and their partners show us what it takes to change systems: strong partnerships, clear alignment and a deep belief in what’s possible for young people,” said Jennifer Blatz, President and CEO of StriveTogether.

KConnect was established in 2013 to improve outcomes and expand economic mobility for every child and family. More than 250 organizations and 400 partners currently collaborate in this effort, spanning sectors that shapes young people’s futures.

“Our region’s progress is the result of people and organizations choosing to work creatively, centering community voice, and aligning around the belief that every child and family should have the opportunity to thrive,” said Salvador López President and CEO of KConnect.

KConnect has been a partner with StriveTogether for nearly a decade. To join the Network, KConnect met a rigorous set of benchmarks along the StriveTogether Theory of Action™. The Theory of Action is a proven, nationally recognized framework that guides communities in creating lasting change for kids and families. The process builds on more than a decade of experience from organizations across the country. This proven framework for change has five designations — Exploring, Emerging, Sustaining, Systems Change, and Systems Transformation — that indicate progress in putting more young people on a path to economic mobility.

West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners