Latest news with #HopeNetwork
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Record turnout expected at Blue Bridge Walk for Autism
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — More than 1,700 people are expected to gather at Grand Rapids' Blue Bridge on Thursday for one of West Michigan's largest community gatherings during Autism Awareness Month. The Bridge Walk for Autism, hosted by Hope Network, is nearly a decade in the making, and organizers say it's about feeling accepted, celebrated and honored. It's also about raising awareness for an increasing number of autism diagnoses. Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced an increase in the rate of autism diagnoses. About 1 in 31 children have autism, the CDC said; the previous estimate was 1 in 36. About a decade ago, autism was being diagnosed at a rate of 1 for every 54 children. Autism rates in US rise again to 1 in 31 kids, CDC says That's why leaders with Hope Network say the bridge walk has never been more important. 'It's so important that we create moments so our entire community can see that a diagnosis is also a space for celebration,' said Jaime Counterman, chief advancement officer for Hope Network. Hope Network says it's thrilled to celebrate and support families by walking alongside them. 'The better we're able to come together as a community to support one person or many to live a life where they feel like they belong, just like anybody else. That's really all anybody wants,' Counterman said. 'To not just be aware of, but to be accepted, to be celebrated, to be honored.' Sales, spring and school buses: What to do in West Michigan this weekend Hope Network offers everything from mental and behavioral health services to physical and social services. Event organizers say they're eager to highlight the growing need for autism services, celebrate inclusivity and emphasize the importance of community support. 'All of the work we do centers around meeting somebody where they are,' Counterman said. 'Showing them that they deserve to live in this world, just as they currently exist.' Check-in starts at 4 p.m., and the bridge walk begins on the west side of the Blue Bridge at 5 p.m. Groups will walk toward the city and then circle the bridge, congregating back at the west side of the river. The walk is followed by a fun-filled night at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. They've dimmed the lighting, reduced noise and altered some of the exhibits to create a sensory-friendly evening for everyone to enjoy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Tribune
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
HH Shaikh Nasser chairs SCYS council meeting
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), chaired a meeting of the Council. His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, was present. HH Shaikh Nasser emphasised the SCYS's key role in supporting Bahraini youth and encouraging their active participation in national development. HH Shaikh Nasser directed the establishment of the 'Al Bayt Al Oud Authority', an initiative designed to instil values and national awareness. The initiative seeks to develop community engagement and invest in future generations. HH Shaikh Nasser tasked the Ministry of Youth Affairs with continuing to implement and develop these programmes to build an informed and engaged youth base committed to national progress and community cohesion. The meeting reviewed a presentation by the Ministry of Youth Affairs on the Hope Network initiative, an international platform dedicated to unifying global efforts to empower youth and promote hope. HH Shaikh Nasser highlighted that the initiative reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and aligns with the directives of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The meeting also reviewed the participation of Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, where Bahrain's national programme Lamea was showcased as a successful model in preparing effective youth leaders.
Daily Tribune
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
UN Assistant Secretary-General Praises Bahrain's Youth Empowerment Efforts as a Global Model
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth, Mr. Felipe Paullier, has lauded the Kingdom of Bahrain for its pioneering efforts in empowering young people, highlighting the tangible outcomes achieved by the Kingdom in making youth a central pillar in its development journey. Speaking at a panel discussion organized by Bahrain's Ministry of Youth Affairs during the "Hope Network" event, held on the sidelines of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, Paullier described Bahrain as a model nation in youth development. He commended Bahrain's initiative in launching the "Hope Network", calling it a promising platform for knowledge exchange, building partnerships, and advancing youth empowerment both regionally and internationally. 'By launching the Hope Network, Bahrain has taken on a significant global responsibility. The Kingdom has created a dynamic space that amplifies the impact of inspiring initiatives aimed at nurturing a new generation of young leaders,' Paullier said. 'This aligns perfectly with the United Nations' vision of youth as powerful agents of change who transcend borders and hold the promise of a more prosperous future.' The Assistant Secretary-General emphasized that the UN Youth Office is committed to fostering meaningful and inclusive youth participation across all areas of UN operations. He stressed that youth are not merely recipients of development but are core partners and innovators in crafting solutions to today's global challenges. 'Youth leadership doesn't happen automatically—it requires institutional support, enabling environments, and programs that reflect their realities and aspirations,' he added. Paullier highlighted the critical role of initiatives like the Hope Network in promoting collective learning, documenting best practices, and scaling their impact to benefit communities worldwide. He noted that capturing successful practices is not just theoretical work—it is a strategic tool to accelerate progress and deliver measurable results. In closing, Paullier referred to the recent adoption of the 'Pact for the Future' at the United Nations Headquarters, where global leaders reaffirmed their commitment to youth empowerment. He underscored that youth participation in decision-making is the cornerstone of good governance, strong institutions, and building intergenerational trust. He called for urgent investment in the energy and leadership potential of young people, stating, 'A better future can only be built through genuine partnership with youth—and for youth.'
Biz Bahrain
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain launches "Hope Network" guide on youth empowerment at World Government Summit 2025
Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, announced the launch of the 'Hope Network' guide on best practices in youth empowerment. The announcement came during a press conference on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai. Minister Tawfiqi emphasised that the 'Hope Network,' launched by Bahrain in November last year, is a key international initiative bringing together countries that recognise the power of instilling hope in youth. The initiative aligns with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and is supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The initiative reflects Bahrain's commitment to youth empowerment and international cooperation. She highlighted the initiative of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of HM the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), in launching 'Hope Network' as a platform for decision-makers in youth empowerment and a commitment to further developing global youth collaboration. Minister Tawfiqi said that the guide marks a major step in advancing global youth empowerment by documenting 28 successful initiatives from 13 member countries. She emphasised that 'Hope Network' provides a unique platform for governments and institutions to coordinate efforts and enhance youth participation in development. She also invited countries and international organisations to join 'Hope Network,' describing it as a Bahraini initiative with a global impact aimed at enhancing international cooperation on youth affairs. On his part, Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, noted that empowering youth requires more than opportunities; it demands knowledge exchange and the application of the best practices to ensure sustainable development. He commended the guide as a valuable tool for governments and policymakers to support and inspire youth participation in their societies. BNA(R)
