Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties was awarded $10,000 by the MacArthur Foundation based on its model for exchanging information among state and private mental health groups, juvenile probation, schools, social services agencies and nonprofits, with regard to youths within the juvenile justice system.

Longtime Healthy Communities’ board member Shaun Griffin explained that “being selected by the MacArthur Foundation is a rare honor because the decision making process on such awards is internal; the MacArthur Foundation does not accept nominations or referrals. ”

The cross-sector, multi-level approach is positively affecting the lives of justice-involved youth, their families, and communities.

Healthy Communities has helped develop an effective model of communication among diverse groups serving youth and their families. The end result is that more young people can find the pathways to reach their full potential to lead productive lives, create positive relationships, and find meaningful roles in their communities.

The award from the MacArthur Foundation recognizes Healthy Communities and their partners’ teamwork to find innovative and creative uses of resources and to adapt them to local strengths.

In its own work to reform juvenile justice policies in the U.S., the Foundation plans to use the Healthy Communities’ model as an example.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to recognizing efforts to support rational, fair, and effective juvenile justice systems that recognize the developmental differences between juveniles and adults, the Foundation selects the MacArthur Fellows, and works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society.