Inside Mobile’s Health & Human Services Network
August 5, 2024
During Youth Leadership Mobile’s Summer Intensive, students participated in Health & Human Services Day—an immersive experience designed to introduce future leaders to the systems that support individual and community well-being. Hosted at Goodwill Gulf Coast, the day connected students with organizations working across workforce development, housing stability, healthcare, and mental health. Students explored Goodwill Gulf Coast’s programs, including Kaleidoscope Goodwill Gulf Coast and its workforce development services, gaining insight into how job training and employment access create pathways to stability and independence. Participants also took part in Alabama Habitat for Humanity’s homeless simulation, an interactive experience that challenged students to better understand the realities and barriers faced by individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Throughout the day, students learned directly from local professionals working in health and human services, including representatives from Lifelines Counseling Services, USA Health, and On & Off The Court Mental Health. These conversations offered real-world perspectives on mental health care, medical access, and the importance of holistic support systems. The day was anchored by leadership activities that encouraged reflection, collaboration, and problem-solving—helping students connect what they were learning to their own role as emerging leaders in Mobile.
Youth Leadership Mobile’s Health & Human Services Day provided students with a hands-on introduction to the organizations and systems that shape health, housing, and opportunity in the community.
Tangible Impact
Exposure to Community Support Systems:
Students gained firsthand understanding of workforce development, housing assistance, healthcare, and mental health services through direct engagement with local organizations and professionals.
Empathy-Building Experiences:
Participation in the homeless simulation helped students better grasp the complexity of housing insecurity and the importance of coordinated, compassionate solutions.
Leadership Skill Development:
Through facilitated activities and discussion, students strengthened critical thinking, collaboration, and civic awareness—laying the groundwork for future service and leadership projects.
Why This Mattered To Mobile United
This experience aligned with Mobile United’s commitment to developing informed, empathetic leaders. By introducing students to the interconnected systems that support health and human services, Youth Leadership Mobile helped participants see the broader landscape of community needs—and the many ways leadership can show up within it.
The day reinforced a key lesson: meaningful change begins with understanding. By learning from practitioners, engaging in experiential activities, and reflecting together, students took early steps toward becoming leaders who lead with awareness, responsibility, and purpose.
