CEO Message for August 14, 2020
A United #CommunityofCare
While the coronavirus pandemic has made significant changes to so many aspects of our lives, one thing that has changed, and in some ways has been enhanced over the last six months, is the strength and unity of our community of care. Our statewide network of care is supported by local ecosystems of local community agencies, boards of directors, case workers, foster and adoptive families, volunteers, and so many other partners that provide care and resources for children and families throughout our state.
Our system — and the individuals throughout it — has been tested in recent months as we all face a public health crisis that, I think it’s fair to say, none of us could have prepared for. In recent months, we have seen extraordinary collaboration from within our community of care, unique innovations that allowed for continuity of care for all children, youth and families we serve, and unrelenting dedication from our frontline workers. They undoubtedly are essential workers who, despite the risks, continue to visit children and families and ensure they were safe and healthy.
Coming Together to Celebrate – Virtually!
Each year, the FCC takes time to celebrate and honor the numerous individuals throughout our system of care who have gone above and beyond to serve Florida’s children and families, typically at our annual conference. However, due to COVID-19 and the health and safety recommendations about large gatherings, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel our in-person 2020 Annual Conference.
Still, we felt it was now more important than ever to take time to honor the many helpers in Florida’s community of care with our Annual Awards Celebration — even if we had to do it virtually. The ways that we have seen individuals from throughout our #communityofcare step up in recent months, reminds me of a quote by Fred Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
We have seen so many helpers in the last 6 months, and we hope you will join us in celebrating them this Monday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. eastern by joining us on Facebook or the Coalition’s YouTube channel.
Throughout the last year, so many from within our community of care have stepped up and led in ways they could have never expected to be called upon. They are colleagues, advocates, foster and adoptive parents, community partners, youth and so many others throughout Florida’s #systemofsuccess, and this year we will be honoring them with 13 different awards! We hope you will join us, and if you want, you can host a “watch party” on your own social media platforms!
While we can’t always be together, and regardless of any new challenges we may face, our #communityofcare remains unified in our mission and vision for a community of care for children and families in Florida that is fully resourced, well managed and fulfills the needs of Florida’s vulnerable children and families.
