Children’s Cabinet formed with several goals already in mind
JACKSON, Tenn. – Community leaders in the Hub City met Tuesday morning to discuss the new Children’s Cabinet that will serve the Jackson-Madison County area.
Chattanooga is one city in Tennessee with a children’s cabinet and now the Jackson-Madison County area will become another.
The Children’s Cabinet is put in place to make a difference for the youth in the area. Jackson Mayor Scott Conger is one of 30 members.
“The Children’s Cabinet represents the culmination of months of dedicated efforts, discussions, and shared visions of the government stakeholders, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates. Today, we not only craft a comprehensive plan, but to improve the outcomes for our youth, we will work to see that plan implemented,” Conger said.
The cabinet has a variety of goals already set: affordable housing, enhancing mental health, decrease in violence and crime, as well as access to high-quality child care.
Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley and West Tennessee Healthcare CEO James Ross shared the importance of his position on the Children’s Cabinet.
“The Children’s Cabinet is a beacon of hope for fostering an environment where the health and happiness of our youngest community members are prioritized. West Tennessee Healthcare is proud to participate in this work,” Ross said.
Madison County AJ Massey shared that before presenting this idea to the public, a group of leaders met last year to agree and to continue this idea.
“I emphasize it every time we meet: We’re not gonna sit around and talk, we’re not gonna think of good ideas, we’re gonna make things happen. This group is an action-oriented group. We’re tired of talking. We’re committed to finding real solutions on the issues our children and our family face,” Massey said.
The area focus for this cabinet is the school system, county, and city. Their mission is to improve the experience and childhood of this community.
“The formation of the Jackson-Madison County Children’s Cabinet is a testament to our shared belief that education is foundational to the success of our whole community,” said Dr. Marlon King, the Superintendent of the Jackson-Madison County School System.
The Children’s Cabinet members will also collaborate with nonprofits that are centered on benefiting children’s care.
Find more local news here.
