Leading Strategic Planning for North Carolina Healthy Transition 2.0

I recently had the opportunity to lead the strategic planning process for the North Carolina Healthy Transition 2.0 grant program. This program aims to help youth and young adults (ages 16-26) with mental health challenges successfully transition into adulthood.

As a Certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator, I guided a group of stakeholders, some of whom were still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Florence, through a process of collective inquiry and visioning. By focusing on strengths and possibilities, rather than deficits and problems, we were able to create a psychologically safe space where everyone felt valued and heard.

We began by identifying the program's core values and aspirations. From there, we developed a set of strategic milestones that would guide our work over the next several years.

These milestones included:

• Increasing access to mental health services for young people in rural and underserved areas

• Improving the quality of care provided to young people with mental health challenges

• Strengthening partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations

• Promoting youth leadership and empowerment

I am excited to continue working with Willow Burgess-Johnson and her team as we move into the action planning phase of this project. Our goal is to bring our strategic vision to life by developing and implementing a series of initiatives that will help young people with mental health challenges achieve their full potential.

I believe that this work is essential. Too often, young people with mental health challenges are left behind. They may struggle to find employment, housing, or education. They may also experience social isolation and discrimination. By providing them with the support and resources they need, we can help them overcome these challenges and build fulfilling lives.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this project. It has been inspiring to see what can be accomplished when people come together with a shared vision and a commitment to making a difference.