America's Promise Alliance names Lubbock one of the 100 best communities for young people.
A jubilant crowd at the Legacy Event Center celebrates the live webcast announcement from Washington D.C.
The YWCA of Lubbock submitted the application for the honor, which includes a $25,000 award.
"There are five criteria: safe places for kids, and effective education, a healthy start, opportunities to serve others, and caring adults,” Glenda Mathis with YWCA said. “So now we're taking all of those pieces and we'll just keep doing it so we'll be a top 100 next year, too."
Glenn Cochran with United Way said this is just an affirmation of so many of the good things that are going on in our community.
“I know of our 23 partner agencies in the United Way,” Cochran said. “Many have been working on this with the YWCA so it's really a collaboration with a lot of organizations in the community."
Mayor Tom Martin says the designation shows Lubbock's commitment to helping youth thrive.
Participants in this effort all say the award is also a challenge to continue addressing tough issues and make further improvements.
