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We at IN FOCUS TV cover lots of uplifting events around the U.S. but few have had the emotional elevation and joy that came with the recent announcement from The Children's Trust in Miami. They talked the talk and walked the walk. That's what The Children's Trust of Miami is doing. The Children’s Trust Board of Directors approved funding recommendations for its Family and Neighborhood Support Partnerships (FNSP) solicitations, which will provide $13.8 million to Miami-Dade communities families in need of support during these difficult times, including an affordable housing crisis, a mental health crisis, soaring costs for child care and rising inflation on goods and services.
James Haj, President and CEO of the Children's Trust announces ther funding live from Opa Locka, Florida
The Children's Trust is a dedicated source of revenue derived from property taxes, established by voter referendum in 2002. Our mission is to partner with the community to plan, advocate for and fund strategic investments that improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County. We envision a community that works together to provide the essential foundations to enable every child to achieve their full potential.
FNSP funds will serve children and youth residing in neighborhoods affected by poverty, crime, unemployment, community violence and trauma. It will also serve countywide populations with specific needs and challenging life experiences, such as children expollenges and/or in need of legal advocacy; families with youth living with disabilities; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young.
Partnerships offer comprehensive and individualized supports for children, youth and their families who are experiencing challenges that limit them from realizing their full health, social, educational, and economic potential. These programs are staffed by teams that include management, clinical and direct service staff along with paraprofessionals, care coordinators, and success coaches. These teams will help families navigate systems and support connecting them to the social services, therapies, beneficial programs as well as essential stabilization items they may need, like assistance with transportation and short-term housing help.
The poverty rate in Miami is 25.8%. One out of every 3.9 residents of Miami lives in poverty. 112,478 of 435,416 Miami residents reported income levels below the poverty line in the last year.
“As the world has transformed over the last few years, we have all learned to adapt. And now is the time to continue to address the evolving needs of our community head-on,” said Children’s Trust President & CEO James R. Haj. “It is the Trust’s theory of change that if we promote positive childhood experiences, build family and youth strengths and relationships and provide support for essential needs, children, youth and families will achieve health, happiness, and success of all kinds.”
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