Community leaders and education advocates gathered Thursday as part of a statewide “Minding Our Futures” forum.

The event, which is designed to invest in healthy infant and toddlers in the state, gave citizens an opportunity explore multiple approaches to supporting children during the first three years of life. Sponsored statewide by the David Matthews Center for Civic Life and locally by the Escambia County Children’s Policy Council, more than 50 attendees discussed what works in Brewton, what new programs and initiatives they would like to see and how to better the lives of families in the community.

The day’s event was one of three hosted in Escambia County. Other sites included Atmore and Flomaton.

Information gathered during the meetings will be compiled into a report and submitted to state leaders.