America’s Promise Alliance names Broomfield
to list of top 100 communities for youth  

America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth has named Broomfield a winner in its national competition to identify the 100 Best Communities for Young People for the city’s commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for young people.   

Broomfield is the only Colorado community named among the hundreds of communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that took part in the competition. 

“This is very exciting.  Having raised my three children here, I’ve known for a long time how great Broomfield is for children and youth.  To receive this honor surely underscores Broomfield’s unceasing efforts to make lives better for all our children.  We are thrilled that our efforts have not gone un-noticed!” said Broomfield Mayor Karen Stuart. 

Debra Oldenettel, Broomfield’s manager of children and family services, who led the application effort, said, “This is a prestigious award that shows how much Broomfield values our youth.  This recognition is a direct result of the collaborative nature of the Broomfield community where children and youth are concerned.  Everyone comes together for children and youth.”  

Broomfield’s application information was assembled by a team of community representatives from the faith community, city and county staff members, representatives of the schools, private sector, non-profits and included essays from three local youth.  The three were publicly recognized for their essays at a recent City Council meeting. 

The winning communities were chosen by a selection panel of civic, business and nonprofit leaders, including United Way of America President Brian Gallagher, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue, NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and Moderator of Meet the Press Tim Russert, CEOs for Cities’ President and CEO Carol Coleta, and former Denver mayor Wellington Webb. 

The selection panel evaluated entries on each community’s efforts to fulfill the Five Promises considered by America’s Promise to be the fundamental resources children and youth need to succeed:  caring adults who are actively involved in their lives; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthy start toward adulthood; an effective education that builds marketable skills; and opportunities to help others.   

In its application summary, the Broomfield committee said, “One unique and noteworthy trait Broomfield exhibits is its ability to maintain a true sense of community, an almost small-town atmosphere, amidst all of this growth and change.  For children and youth, this sense of community truly embodies each of the five promises that America’s Promise is attempting to ensure.   

“Broomfield’s strong sense of community helps to ensure youth always have access to Caring Adults in their lives.  This certainly occurs through formal programs such as mentoring, Broomfield’s Court Appointed Special Advocates program, and the 4-H program, but also occurs informally through the faith community and the senior center.  For example, NRG is a network of youth leaders from the faith community who provide activities such as youth groups, outreach and fellowship opportunities, and retreats.  Regardless of how it is achieved, children and youth throughout Broomfield have a plethora of opportunities to form meaningful relationships with adults who willingly support and guide them.  

“Broomfield’s quality recreational activities, parks and open spaces, and cultural and educational programs through the library and auditorium all provide safe places for youth to have fun while they learn and grow as individuals.  Broomfield’s sense of community also lends itself to hosting community events that promote safe and fun activities for children, youth and families.   

“Each fall Broomfield Days, a signature community event, attracts thousands of residents who participate in a 5K race, a community parade, and carnival activities.  Similarly, Broomstock, the annual alcohol- and drug-free outdoor youth concert, brings hundreds of Broomfield youth from local schools together to celebrate the end of the school year in a safe environment that promotes the philosophy that ‘fun’ does not have to include substances.  Similarly, over 250 parents from both Broomfield and Legacy High Schools volunteer every year to provide a safe, non-alcoholic after prom party for close to 1,000 youth.

“Broomfield participates in many initiatives and programs that ensure a healthy start for children and youth.  In fact, Broomfield was one of twelve communities recently recognized by the National Association of Counties as a winner of its 2005-2006 Sustainable Communities Award.  The award recognized a partnership between Broomfield and Pulte Homes Corporation which promoted several health and wellness programs, as well as innovative efforts promoting sustainable development.  

“The Broomfield community also works collaboratively to ensure that children and youth are provided with quality learning environments both inside the classroom and in the community at large.  For example, during the summer the Broomfield Summer Youth Players, an annual summer drama program organized by local youth, supports the tradition of lifelong access to the performing arts at the Broomfield Auditorium, the county’s official cultural facility.   

“Another example was a recent partnership between the schools, the faith community, local government and private funders who came together to support Rachel’s Challenge, a program designed to enable students to bring positive change to their school atmosphere.  The overall academic performance of Broomfield’s schools, the percentage of highly qualified teachers, Broomfield’s graduation rate and post secondary enrollment rates all demonstrate the success of the community with regard to providing an effective educational system. 

“Finally, Broomfield’s sense of community fosters volunteerism among residents of all ages.  This effort has resulted in a community of youth who are learning to value the importance of giving back to their community.  Whether youth volunteer through their 4-H club, their church, a sports team, the Senior Center, or through a City and County program, opportunities to help others abound in Broomfield.”   

Alma Powell, chair of America’s Promise and wife of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, was interviewed about the 100 best communities awards this morning by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America.   

For more information, visit http://www.americaspromise.org/100Best.aspx?id=968