“The speakers, the workshops, the re-connecting with peers, the drumming, the inspiration and gratitude… I liked everything about the conference! Very re-invigorating!!”
-Jessica DeGloria, HES in Haverhill

ECCF's 10th annual Youth at Risk Conference, held on June 9th, offered a day of networking, training and inspiration to the many dedicated individuals who serve youth in our communities.

Social workers, psychologists, counselors, teachers, community health workers, program managers, probation officers, lawyers, organization leaders and volunteers convened on Endicott College's beautiful campus in Beverly, MA to share ideas and network with peers and old friends in the field.  A record-breaking 500 attendees participated in this year’s conference, described by one participant as “a truly multidimensional and multidisciplinary” event.

The day opened with keynote speaker Dr. Ross Greene, of Harvard Medical School and author of  the highly acclaimed books' The Explosive Child' and 'Lost at School' and was followed by 20 workshop sessions.  Session topics ranged from heavy-hitting subjects such as "Working with Families of Drug Involved Youth" and "Understanding Eating Disorders from a Clinical and Personal Perspective" to staff wellness topics such as "Creating the Organizational Structure for Worker Safety".

Express Yourself, a locally performing and nationally-recognized youth performance group, provided high-energy lunchtime entertainment.  Following the performance, YAR founder, Reverend Mike Duda of First Church in Wenham, inspired many with his recollections of youth work and the story of YAR's founding.

The Post Center gymnasium was decorated for the occasion with artwork created by community youth, contributed by Essex Art Center (Lawrence), Raw Art Works (Lynn), S.A.F.E. Studios, Inc. (Ipswich) and Express Yourself (Beverly).  Exhibitors at the conference included various nonprofit and government programs serving youth in the county. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) were awarded to attendees upon completion of the day.

YAR was made possible through the generosity of the following partners:  AmSan Corporation, Beverly Cooperative Bank, CCR Charitable Foundation, Forest Foundation, McCarthy Family Foundation, North Shore Medical Center, North Shore United Way, Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wilson,  Harbor Sweets, Endicott College as well as additional anonymous supporters.