Andry Sweet - Children's Home Society of Florida | LinkedIn (original) (raw)
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- Tammy Thompson Social justice work is draining and exhausting… Economic Justice work adds additional layers of barriers and obstacles that make it imperative to be intentional about preserving the mental and physical health of our team. We work diligently throughout the year to increase opportunities for asset and wealth building, primarily for Black residents living and working within Allegheny County. Our team counsels hundreds of people a year, many who bring very complicated poverty trauma with them. This is not easy work. I believe that we have one of the best teams in the nonprofit sector because I am intentional about our office culture which includes technical support, professional development, selfcare practices and opportunities to rest for our team. I know it’s unconventional to close an office for the last two weeks of the year but it shouldn’t be. I’ve heard varying opinions and responses about our teams announcement of our end of year shutdown and I stand on our decision. Not only do I stand on it, it might be longer next year. What I do know is that I have a team fully committed to this work, loyal, dedicated and better at what they do because they aren’t burnt out. Our turnover rate is low, losing only three employees in 7 years. So although I know it makes those who have been working within this sometimes broken nonprofit system raise an eyebrow when we promote livable wages and intentional preservation of the HUMANS that are doing this incredibly important work, I would hope that you also see a need for a shift in this culture. Gone are the days of expecting nonprofit employees to do this work in a way that is detrimental to their wellbeing, expecting us to work for poverty wages and wondering why it’s hard to have longevity in this work. It’s time for a change… Oh yeah, the Catapult Greater Pittsburgh office is officially closed for the remainder of 2024; see you in 2025. #catapultgreaterpittsburgh #healthyworkplace #SeeYouIn2025
- Rod Love Positive youth development changes lives. Our communities don’t need another program; they need real change. At the Florida Economic Consortium (FEC), we’re not just building programs; we’re building futures. Our focus? Giving youth the tools to succeed, not just survive. Because real change starts with empowered youth. Youth who feel seen, valued, and capable of shaping their future. Here’s how we built FEC’s four-step approach for safer communities: 1. Partnering with Trusted Community Organizations We know that trust is built locally. So we partnered with groups like Toussaint Boxing Gym and PowerTeens. These are organizations that know the daily struggles of our youth. They know what works and, just as importantly, what doesn’t. By working together, we offer a safe space, mentorship, and stability. These partners bring real-world experience and credibility to the table. They give youth a sense of belonging and respect that goes beyond programs. It’s not about telling them what to do. It’s about guiding them from where they are to where they can go. 2. Structured, Purpose-Driven Mentorship Programs Too many youth are left without direction or guidance. At FEC, we believe mentorship isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Every young person in our programs is matched with a mentor. But not just any mentor—a role model with life experience and integrity. Our mentors don’t just give advice; they walk alongside each young person. They provide the real-world insights that youth crave. They show them a path forward, one choice at a time. Mentorship like this creates a foundation of trust. It’s about more than words—it’s action, consistency, and commitment. 3. Skills That Go Beyond Textbooks Empowering youth means preparing them for life. That’s why we go beyond academics to focus on real-life skills. Through activities like boxing and financial literacy workshops, We’re teaching skills that will actually matter tomorrow. We focus on skills that are transferable and enduring. Skills they can carry with them through all of life’s challenges. 4. Tracking, Measuring, and Improving Outcomes Programs that don’t track results risk becoming empty promises. At FEC, we don’t assume our approach works—we verify it. Our Contract Performance Analysis System (CPAS) tracks each program’s impact. This isn’t just data; it’s a map of each young person’s journey. We track everything from engagement levels to skills learned. Monthly and quarterly reports keep us accountable. If something isn’t working, we adjust it. If a program succeeds, we scale it up. This data-driven approach ensures continuous improvement. It’s how we turn purpose into performance—and performance into impact. Why does this matter? Because each youth we reach today becomes tomorrow’s leader. When they thrive, their families, schools, and communities thrive, too. Learn more about FEC's commitment to making a difference. Link in the comments!
- Rod Love Nonprofits can’t thrive without fair evaluations. Recently, Florida's 5th largest local government introduced a new RFP process to evaluate nonprofits for the Youth Offender Re-Entry Program, through the Orange County Citizens' Commission for Children. But why are some applicants missing out on crucial scores? For instance, Business A is working tirelessly to help socially, and economically at-risk youth become tomorrow's leaders. However, due to inconsistencies in the evaluation process, they received scores based on varying numbers of reviewers. This isn’t just a minor oversight—it’s a systemic issue within the Orange County Citizens' Commission for Children's evaluation framework. This is the difference between securing funding and missing out. It’s the difference between expanding their impact or scaling back. How can this be fair? When an organization like Business A is judged, every score counts. Yet, their efforts are being overshadowed by a process that allows some applicants to have more reviewers than others. Here's why this is a big problem: • Without consistent evaluations, nonprofits miss crucial funding. • An uneven number of reviewers doesn’t reflect the full impact of their work. • Nonprofits can’t improve if they aren’t fairly assessed. Nonprofits working in youth re-entry and education are already stretched thin. They lack the time and resources to fight for a fair, unbiased evaluation. When they don’t get that, the youth they serve lose out. Think about this: • A youth re-entry program can’t thrive without funding. • An education program can’t expand without full evaluations. • A nonprofit can’t grow if its efforts aren’t accurately measured. The stakes are too high for these organizations to be left in the dark. Inconsistent scores mean missing opportunities for the youth who need them the most. How do we fix this? Here’s what we need: Stricter Guidelines: ↳Ensure every applicant is fully and fairly evaluated, with a consistent number of reviewers. Accountability: ↳The Orange County Citizens' Commission for Children should ensure that the system is set up for fairness and consistency in scoring. Transparency: ↳Organizations should know how many reviewers evaluated them and understand any discrepancies in the process. If we don’t address these gaps, nonprofits will continue to miss out on the funding they need. And that hurts everyone—the organizations, the communities, and the youth they serve. It's time for change. Nonprofits can’t thrive when their evaluations are incomplete. Youth programs can’t grow when funding is missed. We need to ensure every organization gets a full and fair assessment, free from technicalities or oversight. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤? Rod Love, CEO of CSG Tech Solutions President of Florida Economic Consortium #nonprofit #nonprofits #nonprofitleadership
- Ron Perkins As we approach the possible reopening of Shuman Center, it’s clear that the path forward must prioritize the holistic development of our youth beyond mere incarceration. As an expert in program development through strategic collaboration, I advocate for integrating comprehensive supportive services for both juveniles and their families. The key to breaking the cycle of recidivism lies in addressing the root causes of youth behavior, many of which are deeply intertwined with family dynamics and trauma. I propose assigning life navigators—dedicated case managers—to each youth. These navigators will provide essential services, including partner referrals, program participation tracking, mentorship, and follow-ups for at least 6 to 12 months and beyond as needed. This structured support system ensures continuous engagement and addresses both immediate and long-term needs. Despite differing visions for the facility, it’s crucial to recognize that short-term detention does not equate to neglecting the broader needs of these young individuals. While Adelphoi focuses on immediate safety and court processing, integrating supportive services through third-party providers ensures that we don’t miss the opportunity to offer rehabilitation and positive development during this critical period. County Executive Sara Innamorato’s vision of holistic services, including mental health and educational opportunities, aligns perfectly with this approach. With the integration of wraparound services and experts, we can enhance service delivery and maintain rigorous oversight of programmatic activity and outcome metrics while addressing concerns about privatization, transparency, and accountability. Imagine the impact of a solution-based approach that transforms the Highland Detention Center from a place of mere confinement into a catalyst for positive change. By addressing trauma, supporting families, and providing continuous care through life navigators, we can foster true rehabilitation and prepare our youth for successful reintegration into society. #YouthDevelopment #JuvenileJustice #HolisticSupport #CommunityEngagement #Rehabilitation #AlleghenyCounty https://lnkd.in/eCg884Si
- Rod Love Helping youth break the cycle of poverty matters. Recently, nonprofits were evaluated for the Youth Offender Re-Entry Program, introduced by the Orange County Citizens' Commission for Children under the 5th largest local government in Florida. But why are financial reserves being prioritized over real impact? 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂 is transforming lives. They offer education, case management, re-entry programs, and youth development. Their mission? To guide young people out of poverty and into brighter futures. But during the evaluation process, they faced challenges. Why? Because their explanation of funding reserves was deemed incomplete. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shouldn’t the Commission focus more on their life-changing work? Or is the Commission letting financial gaps overshadow the real difference these nonprofits are making in their communities? 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭: • Business C is providing opportunities for at-risk youth. • They’re helping young people gain education and job skills. • Their programs break the cycle of poverty, one life at a time. Yet, when the Commission prioritizes financial reserves, they overlook the most important part—𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: • Many nonprofits don’t have large financial reserves. • They focus on delivering services, not building a safety net. • Penalizing them for this takes attention away from their actual work. Should nonprofits like 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂 really be scored based on reserves, or should the Commission look at the transformation they’re bringing to their communities? It’s time to rethink how the Commission evaluate nonprofits: 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: ↳Prioritize how nonprofits are improving lives. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: ↳Smaller organizations often don’t have large financial buffers. 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥-𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬: ↳Reserves are important, but not at the cost of ignoring life-changing work. Nonprofits aren’t just numbers on a balance sheet. They’re real people making a real difference. And the impact they’re having on youth shouldn’t be overshadowed by incomplete explanations of funding reserves. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞? Should nonprofits be evaluated more on their community impact and less on their financial reserves? Or is the Commission focusing too much on the numbers and forgetting the real-world effects? It's time to ensure the commission evaluates what truly matters—how these programs impact lives, not just their finances. 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Rod Love, CEO of CSG Tech Solutions President of Florida Economic Consortium #nonprofit #nonprofits #nonprofitleadership
- Sterling Hospedales More than 2millioncomingforhealthcareprogramtoaidinmatesleavingKitsap′sjailTheWashingtonHealthCareAuthorityhasawardedtheKitsapCountyJaila2 million coming for health care program to aid inmates leaving Kitsap's jail The Washington Health Care Authority has awarded the Kitsap County Jail a 2millioncomingforhealthcareprogramtoaidinmatesleavingKitsap′sjailTheWashingtonHealthCareAuthorityhasawardedtheKitsapCountyJaila2.25 million grant as part of its Medicaid Reentry Demonstration Project. The program temporarily expands Medicaid access for eligible, incarcerated adults to fund case management, substance use disorder treatment, prescription refills and other release services. The state hopes these services create a smoother transition for inmates as they return to their communities, reducing recidivism, unnecessary hospital visits and substance-use deaths. “For the first time, we will be able to use Medicaid services to fund pre-release services in a carceral setting,” said Jason McGill, assistant director of Medicaid programs at the Washington Health Care Authority. “[W]e can waive that federal law that prohibits Medicaid payment.” Individuals on Medicaid typically have their health insurance services paused when they enter a jail, prison or other correctional facility. Federal law prohibits these facilities from receiving Medicaid reimbursements for the care they provide inmates. In 2023, the Washington Health Care Authority reached an agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that temporarily waives the federal prohibition on reimbursement. Starting next July, select jails in Washington can be reimbursed for reentry services they offer to inmates who have less than 90 days left on their sentence. The agreement lasts until June 2028. For Kitsap County, being able to bill Medicaid will not only allow for an expansion of reentry services at its jail, but stabilize funding for its Medication for Opioid Use Disorder program – which has been grant-funded for the last eight years. It will also reimburse pre-release services the county had been paying out of pocket for, Sapp said, returning money to the county’s general fund. Under the program, participating jails must offer case management, medications for alcohol and opioid use disorder and a 30-day supply of prescribed medication or necessary medical supplies at the time of release. Sapp said they can also now help people get enrolled in Medicaid, if they are eligible, prior to leaving jail. Jails are also being encouraged under the program, but not required, to offer medication during pre-release periods; labs and radiology; and physical and behavioral clinical consultations, like substance use disorder assessments. Jennifer Kreidler-Moss, CEO of Peninsula Health Community Health Services, said while there are still some uncertainties about how the reentry initiative will work, she is excited about its possible benefits. Suspending someone’s Medicaid services while they are in jail can often be disruptive, she said. The temporary pause can lead to inconsistencies in their medical history, safety concerns and delay care when they are released.
- Anna Alves-Lazaro https://humanx2024.com/ About HumanX 2024 The Congress, organized by the Hope & Justice Foundation, will be a historic milestone for the State of Florida and the American nation. With the proposed bill to include psychological and property violence in Florida’s domestic violence law, the legal system will be on a par with the most advanced legislation in the world, such as Brazil’s “Maria da Penha” law. The laws of a democratic and modern country must keep pace with advances in the humanities and social sciences in order to effectively serve justice by granting the rights expected. The 1st International Congress on Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Child Sexual Abuse is scheduled for November 20th, 21st, and 22nd in Orlando. This event will bring together some of the most important and respected figures from legal, medical, social, and political sciences for an extraordinary scientific debate on the harmful effects of psychological and economic domestic violence on the victim’s mental, physical, and economic health, as well as the negative impact on public health, economy, security, and education.
- VA SMILE Foundation, Inc We are very excited to announce the launch of my new nonprofit VA SMILE Foundation! The VA SMILE Foundation (Simply Mending Individual Lives Effectively), is an 501c3 nonprofit organization with a belief that Everyone Deserves Access to Resources. Our mission is simple but profound: to bridge the gap in mental health services by addressing the shortage of diverse and qualified providers while creating a supportive environment for resilience, growth, and wellness. Why We Exist: The need for accessible mental health care is greater than ever, especially in underrepresented communities. We recognize the barriers that many face in accessing the support they need, from financial obstacles to limited provider availability. That’s why we’re here—to make mental health care and other resources available to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Our Services: FREE Case Management Services – We connect individuals to essential community resources, helping with housing, food security, Medicare/Medicaid support, forensic, caregiver support resources, veteran resources, and more. To make a referral click the link below https://lnkd.in/enybrkH8 Low-Cost Therapy – Our affordable therapy options ensure that everyone has a chance to work on their mental well-being with skilled and understanding professionals (Available in PA, VA,NC,DE,NJ, MD, FL). Community Trainings – Through our COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT & TRAINING (CET) INITIATIVE, we offer workshops and training sessions for community members, nonprofit staff, and corporate leaders to build mental wellness skills and awareness. GRO Initiatives – Growth, Resilience, and Opportunity (GRO) is at the heart of our mission. These initiatives aim to empower mental health providers with the clinical resources, confidence and financial support to achieve professional advancement and much more! Join Us in Making a Difference! You can support our work by sharing this post, referring someone in need to our services, or donating to help us expand our reach and impact. Together, we can create a future where mental health resources are accessible to all. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or to get involved at 757-260-9043. Visit www.vasmilefoundation.org for more information. Let’s Build a Brighter Future Together!
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