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The Healthy Minds 2022 Event “Curiosity and Connection”, a virtual conference, is a collaborative effort of many youth-serving organizations in North Central Massachusetts. The event was on April 13, 2022 with over 400 students in attendance.
The keynote speaker was Corey DePina, Youth Development and Performance Manager for the non-profit ZUMIX, which empowers young people through music, technology, and creative employment. DePina grew up in Roxbury as a first-generation American from a family of Cape Verdean immigrants. He is an accomplished rapper and a skilled workshop and program facilitator. He performs and teaches all over the United States. DePina shared his passion for performance, social justice, hip hop, and education to help convey the important role music plays in both personal and community development.
Students participated in breakout sessions covering a variety of topics, from cooking healthy meals, renting their first apartment, virtually touring a fire station, mental health, and financial literacy, to open discussion with local political leaders about community improvements.
The Gardner CAC, Growing Places, HEAL Winchendon, LUK. Inc., Making Opportunity Count (MOC), Inc., Pathways for Change, Reliant Medical Group, Ayer Fire Department, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, local state and city officials, MWCC TRIO Program and MassHire North Central Workforce Board all participated in organizing and hosting the event.
Sponsors of the UWYV Healthy Minds Event were the Reliant Foundation, Barr Foundation, United Way of North Central Mass, Workers Credit Union, Digital Federal Credit Union, and Great Wolf Lodge.
Learn more about United Way Youth Venter on their website.