As we approach summer, I find myself thinking deeply about what it means to truly support our young people—not just as students, but as members of a larger community that has a responsibility to help them thrive.

This past week, I had the privilege of attending the National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference. During a powerful plenary session, a speaker shared something that stopped me in my tracks: It’s the community’s responsibility to create systems in which children can thrive. That one sentence has echoed in my mind ever since. It so clearly captures the heart of what we at Manchester Proud are striving for.

Our mission isn’t just about programs, grants, or events. It’s about creating a city where children and families are surrounded by support systems that help them succeed—in school and in life. It’s about building a community where every child feels safe, seen, and valued.

Yet, as I scroll through social media or hear painful news from our own city—like the heartbreaking loss of a student this week—I’m reminded of how far we have to go. Too often, I see people tearing each other down, assigning blame, questioning motives, and fueling division. And I wonder: what message are we sending our kids when we, the adults, lose sight of our shared responsibility?

Still, in the midst of that frustration, I am inspired by the power of connection. That’s the work of Manchester Proud. We are the bridge between those who want to help and the schools and students who need it most. We help connect businesses with teachers to ensure classrooms are stocked with the supplies students need to learn. We rally community members and partners to host food drives and build clothing closets, so families can find support without shame. We lift up the organizations already invested in our youth—and help them do even more by aligning their work with the needs in our schools.

Looking ahead, our focus remains clear: we are here to help children thrive. And in doing so, we lift up our entire community.

Let’s continue to be the adults our children need—working together, listening deeply, and leading with compassion. Let’s build a Manchester where every child has what they need to succeed, and where community means something powerful.