The fourth in a series of five Leadership Forums sponsored by Healthy City Fall River and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts took place at the Apsara Asian Restaurant in the Flint on February 28, 2007. Similar forums have recently been held on Safety and Substance Abuse, Environment and Recreation and Health Education issues. Focused entirely on the issues of adult basic education, job training and employment, the two-hour session illuminated both the accomplishments of the past few years in addressing these issues as well as some of the challenges that lie ahead. Bristol Community College Adult Literacy Services Director Diane McMullen led the discussion with a summary of efforts to provide basic education to the large number of adults who have less than a high school education in the city. Bristol Workforce Investment Board Director Pat Auerbach then described the many programs that are in place to provide job-oriented training for older youth and adults. YouthBuild Director Terry Moran then described his experiences in providing support and training for several dozen young adults. The panel concluded with Council on Aging Associate Director Pauline Gousie describing both the opportunities and gaps for seniors who desire employment. The group then constructed a list of both assets and challenges that will be complied for the Healthy City Design Team to use in planning next steps. For further information about this series, contact Dr. David Weed, Coordinator of the Healthy City initiative at 508-324-2411.
 

(Top row, left) YouthBuild Director Terry Moran talks about both the accomplishments and the challenges of educating young adults for the workforce as Council on Aging Associate Director Pauline Gousie listens. (Top row, center) Fall River Health and Human Services Director Michael Coughlin introduces John Chea, owner of the Apsara Asian Restaurant, who immigrated to Fall River to establish his own business. (Top row, right) Pauline Gousie points out the lack of volunteer and paid positions within the city for the seniors who would like to contribute their skills and talents. (Middle row, left) As Stacey Beckett and Elizabeth Porfert of My Turn, a youth education and employment preparation program that operates at 209 Bedford Street, listen, Mr. Coughlin points out some of the opportunities that collaboration among programs in the city presents. (Middle row, right) Prevention Specialist Carlos Pavao talks about the special challenges that language and immigration present as CFC After-school Director Eloise Carrier, SMILES Mentoring Program Coordinator Marie-Frances Rivera, and Community Foundation of SE Mass Executive Director Craig Dutra listen. (Bottom row, left) WIB Director Pat Auerbach displays a new logo for the upcoming Hire-a-Teen program while Diane McMullen reacts. (Bottom row, right) Family Service Big Friends Little Friends Marketing and Development Specialist Katje Fuson chats with Jonatas Raineri, Director of the Fisk Language School about possible collaborations between the two programs.