The issue of gun violence overshadowed other topics as members of the public and the Trust addressed the recent surge in violence within Escambia County. The urgency of the situation was articulated by a community member who shared personal experiences of attending multiple shootings and funerals. This speaker highlighted the need for resources, programs, and a unified effort from various sectors of the community. The Trust recognized the gravity of the situation, with members expressing gratitude for the leadership and acknowledging efforts to engage in combating gun violence and supporting the community.

Moving from the concern of violence to the strategic enhancement of educational support, the executive director presented two models for aiding schools. The first was a general community school model, while the second adhered to the “whole school, whole community, whole child” approach recommended by the CDC. This initiative emphasized the integration of health, social-emotional, and academic support for vulnerable schools. The estimated costs and potential school candidates for the program were discussed, with particular attention to schools with high needs, including those serving undocumented and bilingual children. The rollout plan recommended initiating the program at two schools per year over a five-year period.

In addition to educational support, the expansion of services by the Pensacola Mess Hall was addressed. The proposed changes to widen the scope of who they could serve included adding new locations and adjusting the participant age range from grades 3-5 to 8-12 year olds. The proposal, which faced minimal opposition, was recommended for approval by the program committee.

Another development was the unanimous approval of a change in employee benefits from Florida Blue to United Health Care, a move that promised significant cost savings and added life insurance options for employees. This recommendation was made by the personnel committee.

The appointment of Miss Deborah Ray as the Director of Programs and Performance was announced during the meeting. Her expertise and experience in educational programs were highlighted as invaluable for the Trust, and her acceptance of the position was met with enthusiasm.

The Pensacola Little Theater’s proposal to expand their services to serve more children was also on the agenda. The program committee recommended approving the scope of work changes, and the proposal passed without opposition. Furthermore, the Children’s Home Society’s sole source grant application received a similar recommendation from the program committee and was approved without contest.

The policy committee brought forward updates to policies regarding anti-nepotism, cell phone usage, funding policy procedures, and funding eligibility. Each of these updates was recommended for approval by the policy and bylaws committee and subsequently passed without opposition.

Operational updates highlighted the impact of out-of-school visits on understanding interactions with children, the challenges faced by providers, and the adjustments made. The Trust also emphasized collaborative efforts between out-of-school time and mental health entities, the importance of connectivity, and coordination to better serve the community. Initiatives such as hosting training sessions, setting up a computer lab, and distributing resource guides were mentioned, as well as the recognition of May as National Mental Health Awareness Month.

The meeting concluded with members expressing their appreciation for being well-informed, acknowledging the learning curve, and discussing the potential long-term benefits for the Trust and the children it serves. A brief discussion on the rescheduling of a Tiff hearing on exemption, with financial implications, was also conducted before adjournment at 6:38 PM.