A focal point of the meeting was the approval of resolution 2024-12 for the third-year renewal of the Children’s Home Society Soul Source Pond Forest High School program. This program, integral to the Community Partnership School initiative in conjunction with the University of Central Florida, focuses on wellness and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) activities. The board’s unanimous vote reflected strong support for the program’s continuation.

In a related motion, the board also approved the renewal of five mental health program contracts, including those for the Boys and Girls Club of Emerald Coast and New World Believers. Each contract renewal was discussed in detail, highlighting specific budgetary allocations and the progress of each organization in meeting their goals. These contracts are important for providing mental health support to the community, and the board’s approval ensures the programs can continue their work without interruption.

The meeting also spotlighted the “Sing to Succeed” program by the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, funded by the Escambia Children’s Trust’s out-of-school time initiative. Artistic and Executive Director Alex Gartner presented on the program’s mission to integrate children from diverse backgrounds and foster personal and social growth through the arts. Gartner emphasized that the chorus aims to develop essential life skills such as responsibility, accountability, and teamwork, which are often not the focus in traditional academic settings. He shared visual aids from the chorus’s summer camp and performances.

Gartner addressed concerns about the inclusion of arts programs in funding, asserting that the benefits of the program extend beyond entertainment to include life skills development. He mentioned the program’s target to enroll 85 participants for its second year and acknowledged transportation as a challenge. The lack of transportation in the grant proposal has limited the program’s capacity to increase participant numbers. Efforts such as gas gift cards and carpool incentives have been implemented, but the absence of a centralized vehicle remains an obstacle.

Another discussion was the proposed scope of work change for the Youth Left Behind program. The representative detailed the unique challenges in serving vulnerable young men, particularly those referred by the judicial system. The program has seen success, with judges ordering youths into the program due to its effectiveness. The proposed changes aim to expand the age group served and remove geographic barriers to ensure no vulnerable child is denied support. The board unanimously approved the scope change, recognizing the positive impact on the community.

Hassan Hills, the founding director of Youth Left Behind, provided public comment on the organization’s efforts. He highlighted the challenges faced by participants, including unstable housing and transportation issues. Hills noted that despite these challenges, the program had a 100% success rate with youths referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice, none of whom had reoffended. He emphasized the importance of community support and detailed the program’s comprehensive approach, including a curriculum and community service initiatives.

Transportation was a recurring theme throughout the meeting, with several programs citing it as a barrier to participation. Hills mentioned that the sheriff’s department had provided a seven-passenger van, but it was insufficient for the number of children needing transport. Staff often had to make multiple trips.

The board also addressed the year two renewal of the Early Learning Coalition Readiness match program, which supports full-day childcare for working parents. The program committee recommended approval, and the motion passed without opposition. This program is vital for working families.

The executive director’s report provided updates on board applications, committee activities, and future funding. The board is seeking additional applicants for open positions, with the hope of meeting the required number for each position. Upcoming meetings and focus groups on community violence were also noted, aimed at gathering insights from key stakeholders to address the issue effectively.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on the Attorney General’s request for an opinion related to board member seats, with no specific updates provided. The board expressed appreciation for the thorough vetting process and the responsiveness of staff to inquiries, making decision-making more efficient.