By the time guest speaker Justin Chapa took the podium during Friday's 8^th Annual Youth Collaboration Breakfast sponsored by the Arlington Alliance for Youth, the word"collaboration' had been used dozens of times.

Yet it was Chapa's speech about the help he received as a slightly clueless, yet awfully curious student at Sam Houston High School that put a face on what the entire morning was about.

Collaboration works, whether it's between student and teacher, teacher and parent, or school and organizations such as the Arlington Alliance for Youth (AA4Y).

"Partnerships are the backbone of what we do in the City,' said District 2 City Council Member Sheri Capehart, who attended the event at the AISD Mac Bernd Professional Development Center."Without that kind of collaboration, it's just more difficult to get things done. We seek it out because it works.'

AA4Y sponsors this gathering each year as a way to say thanks to organizations and individuals that encourage communities to support their Five Promises—caring adults, safe places with structured activities, healthy lifestyles, effective education and opportunities for community service.

Key leaders such as AISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos and youth service providers heard reports to the community, shared concerns, honored volunteers and further developed collaborative initiatives to help youth during an impromptu breakout brainstorming session.

Seventeen organizations that applied for AA4Y Small Grants were awarded with checks for a variety of upcoming projects.

For instance, H.O.P.E. Tutoring will use its funds to provide free tutoring to elementary and junior high students. SafeHaven will send kids living in their shelter to the Perot Museum in Dallas. Workman Junior High will use its money to teach eighth-grade males healthy choices, strong character traits and decision-making skills. The Arlington Public Library is planning a number of things, such as purchasing books for a summer reading teen club, a literacy project for bilingual children, and the construction and operation of a robot for students to learn problem-solving strategies.

Mostly the morning was about making sure the partnerships Capehart referred to are solidified as the organization moves forward with its array of programs, such as a Fatherhood Initiative and Global Youth Service Day.

"There are benefits of working together; we have the City, we have the schools, we have faith-based organizations and service-based organizations, and we have business,' said AA4Y President Craig Wietz, who also gave details about his group's signature programs."While all of those different groups have different objectives, the one thing that is common is they are interested in investing and recognizing the importance of youth and how we develop them.'

Speaker Chapa, now a lawyer in Dallas, would certainly agree. He told the audience he's"a direct benefactor' of the Five Promises executed by AA4Y.

"I undoubtedly wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the support of adults around me,' Chapa said."They knowingly or unknowingly produced those five promises in my life.'