I recently started working with the TA Partnership's Cultural Competence Action Team (CCAT). Joining this team has opened my eyes tremendously to the tasks at hand for communities across the country. I recognize there is so much to do from meeting the needs of individual families to accessing the system level infrastructure.

After a recent conference call with Ken Martinez, I sat back and said, “Goodness…where do we start?” How do we take an Evidence-Based Practice and make the necessary cultural adaptations without creating another 'cookie cutter' model for one particular cultural group… or… is doing a middle management organization assessment more important?”

Have you felt that way before?

Cultural and Linguistic Competence is certainly an important area that is critical to the success of youth and families. You have all done a tremendous amount of work and the work will continue to go on as families find their voices, systems evolve and resources are created.

As we push forward in the development of tools and resources, know that I acknowledge the endeavors ahead but feel motivated by the outcomes… YOU should feel empowered and motivated by the outcomes as well… health, wellness and resiliency for the youth and families we serve!