significant progress, reducing childhood poverty by more than 200,000 children since the launch of the Florida Prosperity Initiative, the need remains especially urgent at the neighborhood level. Across Duval, Clay, Flagler, Volusia, Brevard and Putnam counties, 23 ZIP codes rank among the 152 Florida ZIP codes with the highest concentrations of children living in poverty, representing nearly 53,000 children whose opportunities and outcomes are shaped by economic hardship.
These numbers show the scale of the problem and provide us with a map of where action is needed most. That’ s why CHS has created a bold new strategic vision focused on providing preventative services from“ cradle-to-career,” averting crises before they occur and removing barriers to long-term success. Through our research-driven Community Impact Model, we create greater access to educational opportunity, healthcare and parental support in community hubs throughout every phase of a child’ s development. This approach ensures children can thrive, families can succeed, and employers can get the talent they need.
Community Partnership Schools like Edward H. White High, Matthew Gilbert Middle and Longbranch Elementary in Jacksonville bring CHS’ s model to life by uniting four core partners under 25-year commitments, connecting students and families with counseling, tutoring, food, housing and other supports that remove barriers to educational success. This preventative, partnership-driven approach is essential to addressing poverty at its roots, but it all depends on continued community involvement, investment and business support.
CHS cannot do this work alone. By standing with us, you can help build a safer, stronger foundation for every First Coast child in the North Central region and grow the talent pipeline that will drive Florida’ s economic future.
Andry Sweet is President and CEO of Children ' s Home Society of Florida. With more than 30 years of experience in child welfare and behavioral health, she is known for building innovative partnerships that strengthen communities and expand opportunity.
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