WHEREAS, Hennepin County is committed to providing a high quality of life for all, especially youth; and
WHEREAS, as of the 2010 census there are 261,600 persons under the age of 18 living in Hennepin County; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County believes our youth are our most valuable resource and the future of the county and the State of Minnesota, and thus we acknowledge that our community must make every effort to promote and support programs that help young people and their families; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County is devoted to fulfilling the “Five Promises” as outlined by America's Promise Alliance and implemented by Minnesota Alliance With Youth: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, Effective Education and Opportunities to Help others; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County’s mission “to enhance the health, safety and quality of life of our residents and communities in a respectful, efficient and fiscally responsible way” aligns with the “Five Promises”; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Alliance With Youth works to ignite the spark in all young people in Minnesota to become actively engaged, develop strong voices, and acquire skills needed for success in school, work and life; and
WHEREAS, the vision of Minnesota Alliance With Youth for all young people in Minnesota to be highly connected to their communities, have hope for a brighter future, and are able to fulfill their dreams fits with the mission of Hennepin County; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County has worked to make itself a great environment for youth through the Hennepin Youth Employment plan, Project CHILD, The Child Care Assistance Program, Early Childhood Intervention Services, the Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) Program, Children's Mental Health Services, Youth Sports Programs and many other efforts; therefore