Representatives from the HFM BOCES Adult Literacy and Corrections Education Department joined community leaders, educators, service providers and local organizations for Together We Lead, a community collaboration event hosted by the Community Leaders Amsterdam Network (C-LAN) on Oct. 23 in Amsterdam.
Held at the Amsterdam Literacy Zone, the event brought together educators, service providers, community organizations and local leaders to discuss ways to better serve residents throughout the region. Since its formation in 2025, C-LAN has worked to strengthen communication among organizations and increase awareness of the programs and services available to community members.
Throughout the event, participants discussed community needs and opportunities, with education and transportation emerging as two key topics. Conversations focused on identifying barriers, improving access to resources and exploring ways organizations can better support individuals and families.
Through its C-LAN membership, the HFM BOCES Adult Literacy and Corrections Education Department connects students and their families with educational opportunities, workforce development resources and community support. Events such as Together We Lead help staff build stronger local partnerships and find additional resources for adult learners and their families.
For Noraima Rivera Rivas, an Adult Education Case Manager with the HFM BOCES Adult Literacy and Corrections Education Department, the event highlighted the role collaboration plays in helping students and families feel connected, supported and informed.
“I want families to feel welcome, supported and confident that they are not alone and that we are here to help,” Rivera Rivas said. “By working together with our community partners, we can keep families informed, communicate directly with them and provide consistent follow-up to connect them with the resources they need.”
Attendees left the event with new connections, a broader awareness of community resources and renewed enthusiasm for addressing local needs together.
For more information about the Community Leaders Amsterdam Network (C-LAN), follow the organization on Facebook by clicking here.
