CSC Minutes 04/03/1992 Children ' s Services
Council of Collier County
Minutes/Transcripts
April 3 , 1992
I
The Children's Services Council of Collier County
Meeting of April 3, 1992
Council Members Present Council Members Absent
Delores G. Dry
Judge Cynthia Ellis Alma Cambridge
Nelson Faerber, Jr .
Lavern Gaynor
Bea Harper
Dr . Thomas Richey
Richard Shanahan
Mary Ellen zum Felde
A meeting of the Children' s Services Council was held on Friday,
April 3 , 1992 , 9 : 00 AM, Collier County School Board Room.
The meeting was chaired by Bea Harper .
The invocation was delivered by Mrs . Harper, followed by the
pledge of allegiance.
The minutes were approved as presented. Motion made by Judge
Ellis; seconded by Lavern Gaynor .
Mary Ellen zum Felde, treasurer, reported cash on hand as of
2/29/92 , $16 , 393 with income of 55 .02 less regular expenses and
an anticipated deficit of approximately $400 on April 15, 1992 .
A motion was made by Richard Shanahan to accept the report;
seconded by Delores G. Dry.
Bea Harper, remarked that today' s meeting was a momentous
occasion for everyone -- that the referendum failed, but
children's needs haven' t gone away -- and that she felt very
strongly the Council could be renewed with energy to keep working
on behalf of this cause.
Paul Pinson, executive director, pointed out that despite the
outcome of the March 10 referendum, the Council is still in a
position to do tremendous good and told of the many, many calls
of support and encouragement he had received acknowledging the
role of the Council to build, for the first time in the county,
an effective children' s agenda.
He then reported on a meeting hosted by the Community Foundation,
April 1 , 1992 , 7 : 30 am. , Senior Friendship House Center . The
purpose of the meeting was simply to try to discover how the
Foundation could interact and be a part of the on-going process
the Council has begun. The Foundation has a strong interest in
children. It was a good brain-storming session. A true
grass-root movement initiated by the community showing great
support .
Mr . Pinson then reported on his meeting with Judge Hugh Starnes ,
chairman, Children's Services Council of Lee County . The CSC of
Lee remains an active entity despite their referendum defeat .
Judge Starnes stated that the CSC of Collier County is ahead of
them in terms of building community momentum and bringing
together service providers which they have never been able to do.
The CSC of Lee County is working through three committees without
benefit of staff . Their council is a pure volunteer effort .
During the discussion on funding through foundations , Judge
Starnes stated he would be very amenable to combining Lee and
Collier County as a unified effort for southwest Florida, or, at
least, some portion of southwest Florida, when contacting
foundations , his thought being there might be an advantage to
being an "area of need" rather than a parochial single county .
Mr. Pinson stated the idea might have some merit .
Mr . Pinson concluded his report with a personal statement that
urged the Council to strongly consider remaining the active force
it has become and reported his willingness to continue as
executive director on a volunteer basis .
Mrs . Harper commented on the immediate need of one staff member,
office supplies , and office space with equipment . She hoped free
space and equipment might be available; if available would mean
the Council could operate on a $25 ,000 budget . She also hoped
the Council would continue its efforts on behalf of sexual abuse
treatment and juvenile justice programs and begin to make plans
for a Children, Youth and Family Information Center . She
concluded by saying there were all kinds of things that the
Council can address and resolve .
Judge Cynthia Ellis inquired specifically about space and
possible networking with the Naples Alliance For Children. Mrs .
Harper replied that work had already begun and details would be
forthcoming.
Commissioner Richard Shanahan commented the needs of children
have been identified and it is obvious they will not diminish but
continue to increase . He recommended the Council not fold its
tent and expressed concern about funding. He pointed out the
county has $150 ,000 allocated for a variety of services and
suggested the Council file an application with the Board of
Commission for the $25 ,000 yearly budget and then seek donations
from those who believe the Council should be funded by the
private sector . He also suggested the Council take a look at
reconstituting its membership. Mrs . Harper remarked applications
with which to fill the two Council vacancies have been held in
abeyance until this meeting took place, and will be forwarded to
the Board of Commissioners when the Council votes to go forward
with its efforts on behalf of the children.
Judge Cynthia Ellis expressed concern about filing an application
for funds; that , in essence, the Council would be in competition
with worthwhile agencies now receiving monies from the county,
and that it is her hope the Council , in lieu of current priority
funding, will now assist agencies in setting up programs which
they may present individually to the county for funding . Mr .
Shanahan responded by saying that some funds are available --
that the Board of Commissioners is split whether or not funds
should be allocated to social services -- that the Citizens
Productivity Committee recommended to the Board it should not be
in the business of funding private charitable organizations --
and that , the Board has yet to resolve the matter in the coming
year .
Pat Abbott , Collier County Public Health, expressed hope the
Council would continue with the movement it has started and
recommended the public be presented with statistics .
Giles Sievers, General Director, YMCA, expressed his personal
philosophy by stating he is convinced that to expect the
government to be "thy brother' s keeper" is unrealistic and urged
the Council to look toward people who do honor this philosophy
and have the ability to help .
Mr. Sievers would like to see the Council broaden its service
representation, work with the media, and strengthen the force for
good in this county that will enable the agencies who already
exist to do more good, to reach forward with their expertise. He
then stated, I know my agency could be stronger and provide more
beneficial programs if it had a great group of people empowering
it to do that .
Gerry Hallas , guardian ad litem and board member of the Cadet
program, a new entity coming into the service area, validated the
need for parenting programs , recommended statistics of juvenile
delinquency be reported in the media in a special column
informing the public of the severity of the problem, and
suggested a child-oriented fund-raiser be developed whereby the
children could benefit from the recreation/entertainment with
proceeds going to the Council .
Ginny Stevens , Program Director, Children's Center, David
Lawrence Center, stated she believes one of the most direct
benefits of the Council ' s efforts was the networking that was
achieved -- the integrated focus of what was happening in this
community to children. Mrs . Stevens encouraged the Council to
remain determined about their efforts and be a triage for all
agencies who must work together to get the job done.
Paul Pinson, in answer to a question regarding foundations from
an unidentified person in the audience, stated he believed
foundations as a source of funding was a natural avenue to go
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beyond the community for funding . The general concensus among the
council and the audience was that foundations are a viable
alternative, but that grant writing is not always successful , the
key being an introduction to the organization by a personal
contact person. Gile Sievers pointed out the accomplishments of
the Minneapolis CEO Group, which sees to the needs and funding of
unmet needs in the Minneapolis area, as a possible alternative
for the Council ' s consideration.
Richard Hallas, guardian ad litem, offered to contact his son and
daughter-in-law who live in Minneapolis to obtain more
iinformation about the CEO Group.
Dr . Thomas Richey, Superintendent of Public Schools , made three
observations : 1 . the Council should maintain its presence in the
community, if nothing more than to draw visibility to the needs
of children through the networking process; 2 . the Council cannot
go to government any longer because they, too, have reached their
maximum capacity to meet the needs of the community, and that he
likes the idea of confronting those persons within the last
campaign that said we can do it through private resources , and he
suggested the Council consider drawing together a Foundation
Board as some of the agencies have done; 3 . and, the Council
should explore the possibility of having someone to write grants
for us on a fee basis .
Judge Cynthia Ellis , stated she felt the Council should accept
Paul Pinson' s offer, and the offers of everyone who is willing to
help us, with open arms , and that , it was now time to establish
committees among the Council . Judge Ellis volunteered her
expertise to chair the priority area of juvenile justice; she was
duly appointed to do so by Mrs . Harper . Judge Ellis then made a
motion; that the Council continue to operate on behalf of the
children in Collier County; seconded by Delores G . Dry . Delores
G . Dry offered to provide a delegate to chair a committee for a
sexual abuse treatment program; she was duly appointed to do so .
Nelson Faerber, school board member, stated he still sits on the
school board seat of the council , and that , he is going to
explore an idea to seek the names of those who voted for the
referendum for the purposes of fund-raising . In answer to Bea
Harper' s inquiry about expertise with foundations , he suggested
John Passidomo might possibly volunteer as he is associated with
several of these types of organizations . Mary Ellen zum Felde
accepted the appointment to chair the fund-raising committee .
Robert Ritz , HRS District 8 Deputy Administrator, suggested the
Council might wish to consider a structure such as the Coalition
For A Drug Free Lee County which is a broad based community
structure . He then addressed his remarks to Judge Ellis
informing her of the American Assembly on juvenile justice for
the 20th Judicial Circuit , which will be held June 13/14; the
Atlantic University will be the facilitators .
Bea Harper then thanked everyone for their attendance and
support .
A motion to adjourn was made by Richard Shanahan and seconded by
Mary Ellen zum Felde .
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen zum Felde
r_
Transcript: April 3, 1992 Children's Services Council of Collier County
Meeting.
Bea Harper: Well, this is a sort of a momentous meeting -- I was thinking
last night, way back in 1986/87 when Palm Beach County approved the
Children's Services Council with funding, and I Wri'tt over and came back
with the feeling that it was God's intention that Collier County would have
this for our children too, and since the referendum failed, I had some soul
searching -- why was it I felt so strongly that God wanted this for our
children and we failed so overwhelmingly -- and last night I was reading
some meditation material, I came across a poem that I think says how much
I feel, and I hope how the Council feels today.
"Between failure and success, the point so fine, men sometimes know not
where to touch the line -- just when the pearl was waiting one more
plunge, how many a struggler had thrown up the sponge, then take this
honey from the bitterest cup, there is no failure save in giving up."
And that's how I sort of feel.
Invocation: Bea Harper: Dear loving and creating God, we thank you for
the joy that children in our community give to us. We thank you for the
blessing children bring into our lives. We come this morning, as a council,
before you to seek answers for creating a community in which our children
can live safetly and develop in the fulness of your shalohm. Open our
hearts that we may speak unselfishly for them. Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Bea Harper: Everyone received a copy of the minues of the last meeting.
Are there or corrections or additions; if so, may we have them now. Motion
made by Judge Cynthia Ellis to accept the minutes; seconded by Lavern
Gaynor.
Treasurer's Report: Mary Ellen zum Felde. Well, this is a difficult one --
I've been telling you we're almost to the end -- well we're at the end.
We had cash on hand as of February 294 $16.393 and we received a little
interest $15.02 and a small donation $40.00, less our regular expenses. In
order to get through the middle of April, 4/15 -- and maybe we're all going
to feel this way on the 15th -- just a little short -- we'll have a deficit of
$400 to get through, so I hope we all don't end up this way -- just a little
short, that is, so I'm not sure what plan B is about, but that's where we
are -- we might have to go into our own pockets to make it through the
15th. A motion was made by Richard Shanahan to approve the treasurer's
report; seconded by Delores D. Dry.
Bea Harper: I'm not sure exactly what kind of opening remark I want to
make Paul. I think as I said in the beginning, I think this is a momentous
meeting for us all. I would like to keep it on the upbeat. We may have
failed the referendum, but the needs haven's gone away. Our children
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are still out there -- I feel very strongly we should be renewed with
energy to again keep on at looking at problems and trying to do some-
thing about them. Paul, would you like to give your report now?
Paul C. Pinson: I think we have every reason to be excited. I think
you have some real interesting possibilities and opportunities and opetions.
irrespective of the outcome of March 10th. You are in a position as a
Council to do tremendous good and I can't tell you how many people have
called and written letters -- called at home, saying, "you have done a
lot for our agencies, for our organization, for children in the community
by bringing awareness to an issue that has before been shoved down. . . .
I think you have begun to build, in may respects, for the first time,
a children's agenda." So there are a lot of exciting possibilities and I
encourage you to definitely be upbeat about it.
To begin my report, there are a couple of things that I should bring up
•
-- one is, just a couple of meetings we have recently atended, several
of whom are here -- the Community Foundation hosted a meeting of the
Children's Services Council key supporters that are connected with them;
• in fact, several members of the Foundation meeting are represented in
the audience this morning (and this was several days agoto which the
agenda and purpose was simply to try to discover how they could inter-
face, interact, be a part of this on-going process that the CSC has
started tgo address the needs of kids -- they have a strong interest in
children -- they would like to keep that high on their agenda -- nothing
concrete and definitive came out of that meeting other than the fact there
were some extremely good brain storming sesions -- where they take that
and what they do with it will be, of course, up to them now. But, the
exciting part for me, was the fact that there was a true grass-root move-
movement instituted by the community; not the Council. It was great
support.
I met with Judge Hugh Starnes, chairman of the CSC of Lee County over
lunch and just to give some feedback on that particular meeting. Hugh
had heard many things about our campaign efforts down in CC -- most
of which was extremely positive -- even to this day -- and they have
matained a viable entity in their Council even though they were defeated.
They feel we are far ahead of them in terms of building momentum for
addressing the needs of kids. He particularly found exciting the fact that
we had been able to bring together service providers in our community
in a way they have never been able to do -- even now. He found that
exceedingly exciting and the possibilities endless. So, I share that with
you.
You may be interested to know they have chosen several different paths --
being an unfunded entity, much as we are now, they have chosen to go into
three different counties (and this is strictly Lee County) and it is indigenous
of whom are workers in the Council, etc. , but it reflects their choice to
take three committees, dedicated to their specific program that they are
trying to initiate in Lee County -- one, of course, juvenile detention facility
for Lee County children and other areas like that, so in a broad brush,
what Lee County is attemtping to do -- they are trying to maintain a viable
entity -- they are trying to remain a force in the community, trying to
build liasons with groups working together on issues. They are, unfortu-
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nately, not in a position to have staff, so it's a pure volunteer effort
on their part.
One thing that emerged from our meeting that I think is worth mentioning
also, because I think in a few moments this Council will be considering the
future of CSC, but, if you recall, in our statue, we're enabled to
combine forces for other counties -- inter/county councils - (John Nagel,
who represents the Community Foundations, is well-aware that the Ford
Foundation has given me a letter for me to pursue, that the Ford Foundation
has a very strong interest in children's issues and children's needs and
fund substantially every year to meet those needs) - one possibility for
consideration, and I put it out there just as a part of this report about
Hugh Starnes, that he (Starnes) would be very amenable to combining
forces for Lee and Collier County and presenting as a "combined effort"
as a unified effort of southwest Florida, or at least a portion of SW Florida,
and make a proposal or grant application to some of these major Foundations,
so tht you are not just parochial, a single county, but now you are an area,
you broaden your scope. I thought the idea had some merit -- and I
put it out there as one potential idea. Those are the two mainmeetings
I wanted to bring to your attention.
The last comes more from me and it really is in relationship to Mary Ellen'
treasurer's report. We are all aware we no longer have funds with which
to operate -- I would hope that the Council would strongly consider remaining
the active force that you currently are -- irregardless or irrespective of the
of the pth that you chose -- and the timing may not be right for this or
for that, but thre is not an entity in existence in Collier County that has
the potential force and impact of this Council where you have entree into
every key segment of the community to effect the needs of kids -- Collier
County Commission, the school system, and on and on, so I would hope that
you would seriously consider not disbanding, but remain in effect as a viable
force. I think it is imperative through, to accomplish anything, that you need
a central focus, you need an office, you need a staff of some kind -- what
I would like to offer as a recommendation for me is, since we are running
out of money (and from the standpoint of staff we're out of money) is, five
years ago I made a commitment to alter may occupation and follow where my
heart really was and that took me to SW Florida, to Outward Bound, the Youth
Foundation and it certainly brought me here. I believe in what we're up
too. I believe, as Tom Richey and Mary Ellen have said, the needs have
not gone away, regardless of the vote on the 10th, and I am committed to do
what I can. I'm willing, as a volunteer, to stay on as the executive director
and work and hlep bring this cause to some fruition, and I'm willing to
do this as long as I can do so, and that's my offer to the Council; that ends
my report.
Bea Harper: Well, I think for the information of a lot of people in this
room, Paul worked for over 6 months up in the office with me without any
pay at all, full time -- the two of us as a team tryng to put this together --
the CSC, and that was before we had been appointed by the Collier County
Commission -- we would never been here where we are today, if it had not
been for Paul and his committment and dedication. I could go on and on ex-
pounding how much I think of Paul. When he indicates he is willing to give
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us his time to work with me, I am going to continue.
I have to tell you, and I don't want to get on the downbeat, that when
we were so overwhelmingly defeated, I was not sure I wanted to continue
my full time efforts for this community, but I have rallied and I realized
children's needs are still there and as long as God gives me health and
the funds to live on, I am going to work for children as long as I am in
this commuty. So, Paul and I are both committed to continue our efforts
as a team, but it will be necessary -- we will have to beg for donations,
or whatrever, to keep at least 1 staff member and office space now. I'm hoping
that maybe some will come along and say, "we've got about 750 square feet
that we can give you to continue the CSC", and that is what we will throw
out and hope we get some kind of an offer, but it means we will need a
budget of about $25,000 to buy office supplies and pay a staff member for
an annual budget. So that's a consideration whether we can raise $25,000
that's to be seen. There are just too many things in this community,
(and I'm like Paul) I have had so many calls; ie. , judges, who have said to
me," You know six months ago nobody cared that we didn't have a Sexual
Abuse Treatment Program, or that it had gone out of existence, but for
the CSC, a lot of people would still not know about it, and so I would
beg you not to give up, but keep on doing what we are trying to do. We
are in a desperate need of a SATP -- we do not have one in the community.
We need some kind,of facilitity, or program, for our juvenile justice for the
incorrigibles who go before the judges and are turned back loose on the
street without any kind of treatment or rehabilitation.
Of the things I would like to see, just from my own self and hopefully,
the Council, I think, one of those needs we found long time ago, and Dick
will probably remember, I went before the Collier County Commission before
we ever started the Council, what we need in this community is a central
information center ,--- people, families, try to find services and don't know
where to go -- and I asked (you will recall Dick) , begged, that the county
•
address this need and that we do a total generic information and referral
center, so it would be beneficial to all of the community. Well it got bogged
down in bureaucracy. A blue ribbon task force was appointed to study it --
and I assume they are still styinging it, but nothing, and that's got to
•
be at least three years ago, and they're still studying it.
But what I would like to se happen in the Council and with our staff, is the
coordination of our agencies. All of you know I did this book for everybody
(the council members) on the funding areas that we decided was of prime
importance in the community and there is a wealth of information in here.
I would like to see us, as part of the Council, develop, not a generic inform-
ation center, but a family children and youth information center -- where,
when a family is need of some kind of services, they can come to us and
we know where to send them, and if we don't have any place to send them
we can document that that is a need that is not being met in the community
and that we must face it.
We have never had in this community -- there always seem to be an over-
lapping, different agencies going in different directions and everybody trying
to do a great job, but if we could just come together we could be more
efficient, we could do a better job, we could do it on less money -- there's
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all kinds of things -- so that's where I am and would like to see the
direction of the CSC go -- that we need to talk about specifics for in-
instance, juvenile justice -- that we so desperately need -- it is con-
ceivable that we could get together with Sheriff Hunter and work out a
plan (hopefully he might have funds) with which he could address some of
the needs of the juvenile justice, and frankly, I think that is a crisis
need. . . .that's not a prevention and intervention program. . .so to be able
to measure that. . . .how many kids did you put in the facility. That's
what the community seems to focus on. . .putting out fires, not doing anything
before we get to the fire. . .So that is. . .in other words. . .we could get the
most bang for the buck. . .doing something about the incorrigibles. And,
the sexual abuse treatment program which is so desperately needed here.
We do not have a therapeutic foster care facility for children who need
long-term therapy in turning them around with their behavior problems.
There are all kinds of things . . . .things that we could address without it
costing us a great deal of money. We had hoped. . .you know. . .our dream
was that we would be able to take these areas. . .all of the areas. . .for
instance child care and really do somethng with it, but we know that we
can't do that. It takes money to work that kind of problem out. So, I
am open for discussion.
Judge Cynthia Ellis: To be more specific -- how long are we going to be
able to remain at our present locasion. I guess the follow up to that is
on the clearinghouse idea -- you know the referral system -- when they would
come to us and we would refer them. Is the space anticipated if we could
get 750 square feet somewhere -- would that accommodate us oing into that
service, and in addition, the Naples Alliance For Children, I think, is in-
terested in working on this project as well. . .taking what you have started,
Bea, and putting it into some kind of written form and correlating all the
• members of the Naples Alliance For Children basically into sub-categories.
So again, iot will be networking with the Naples Alliance as well as providing
written documents for families for need. So I think we can get some work
between the Naples Alliance and Council, but it looks like it is one focus
that we could do very quickly, may not quickly, but that is something we
could accomplish.
Bea Harper: Well we are just starting and we do have the computer which
was donated to us. . .lots of information can be fed into the computer.
Mary Ellen zum Felde: I don't have any follow-up on this, maybe Dee can
help us. It is my understanding that Governor Chiles in his reorganization
of HRS has either made statements, or is part of the reorganization, that
counties that were willing to establish a CSC maybe could -- I don't know
if it -- and you all help me -- I don't know if it meant that the county
would fund itself -- that there might be some HRS matching funds, or some-
thing, and the fact that we were not able to pass on the referendum to
fund ourselves. Can you add anything to this Dee?
Delores D. Dry: Yes, having just come back last night from Tallahassee
where the bill was signed officially yesterday. There will be within the next
18 months, a revised HRS. In the next 6 months, or so, we are planning to
have a different name and obviously, if you've kep up with some of the
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media coverage on the reorganization of the Dept. we are basically
setting up, if you will, in the chilCren and youth area a separate depend-
ency office -- a program office now -- to give in the -- well, no -- the
delinquency program office to deal with all the attendant juvenile justice
related issues and separating out other things like foster care, protective
investigations and all into a separate office. Also divesting ourselves of
a number of regulatory functions that we have carried on for a number of
years going to various other agencies. Project Independence is now leaving
the Dept. going to the Dept. of Labor, etc. etc.
In some of the ideas we have addressed as to what the new Dept. will look
like and what the new Dept. will focus on -- we are looking at ways of
truly beginning to try to build those public and private partnerships with
local communities to address needs of various segments of our population.
There is a proposal within some of the reorganization activities to set up,
if you will, innovative zones, that is the theory, the catch-phrase we are
to be using and basically, in a nushell, that is a process through which
HRS, the local communities, will try to meet, obviously, unmet needs of
children and population we have to serve in the local communities and the
idea of the referral services is one of those kinds of things. The possi-
•
bilities exist for a number of projects. It will not be a global kind of
--you know, the project you develop would not necessarily be a global
kind of CSC type of activity, but something more focused on a specific
need.
Bea mentioned trying to really do something with juvenile justice related
issues, because I know, that folks from the sheriff's department have
come to a number of our meetings on a number of occasions to get something
like that -- maybel, we can try to target that as one specific kind of issue
in Collier County to deal with.
The unfortunate part of all this is, if the Governor's Investment Budget is
not approved by the legislature -- what we will probably see is--yes, to
some extent-- a downsize of HRS as we currently have the name, but a
continuation of increase in problems and number of clients to be served without
adequate resources, and as district administrator, I am hopeful that the
legislature will come to the rescue of the citizens of this state, but we don't
know -- we can only say what we see in the media.
Where possible, since it is envision that with the establishment of the new
districts, we will now have 15 districts -- and with the establishment of
Human Services Boards, we will assist in hiring and evaluating administrators
and what have you, that that would have a lot more reality base and community
oriented kind of focus on some needs we have for kids and all persons in
need of our services in the department -- and that process will begin -- at
least the establishment of the Boards will begin two weeks from now and probably
be implemented by the end of Ocotber or thereabouts. I need to come back
now and get all the County Commissioners, judges, school board, and folk
like that, in order to have them recommend folk to serve on the Human Ser-
vices Council for dist 8. I have to get 25 of the folk through out the seven
counties that we currently have; so,
Bea Harper: Could I ask just one question? Did you find out in Tallahasee,
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in district 8, will all of the counties, regardless of their size in popu-
lation, be represented equally?
Delores D. Dry: No.
Bea Harper: That has always been a real bug with me. In other words,
they're going to take it by population.
Delores D. Dry: Yes. We have been given for my district. . . .I can't
remember now -- I think Collier County will have about 5 positions. . .I believe
on the total 27 member board. I can't rememer what specific positions these
will be, because we are having to pull these folk from various entities.
(I don't have it -- I left it in the car in Ft. Myers). I can get back with
youon. . . .
Bea Harper: I'm just curious about that -- having been in the county for
so many years and having seen us grow in population, but realizing Lee
County is growing much faster, I've always been sensitive to the point -- where
there is a vote we can always be outvoted -- so I like to have equal repre-
sentation for each county.
Delores D. Dry: As you well know, our district's preliminary IPG Report
recommended that, but was not done that way. But I will say that you
will probably have equal representation with the numbers as I remember them
with a county such as Sarasota. Lee, of course, is the flagship county. They
probably will have two more members than Collier County, but it's not a
significiant amount and, of course, the District Board is to look at the dist-
rict's needs and where practical, where a lot of the county's innovations
will take place.
Paul Pinson: Excuse me Dee, I think the initial question was really aimed at
discovering whether the CSC had any opportunity to capture any funds from
the state and to the best of your knowledge, we don't.
Delores D. Dry: N o.
Bea Harper: The bottom line is always money.
Richard Shanahan: Well, just a couple of thoughts that have ocurred since
I have been sitting here and that is -- it is certainly obviously that the needs
were very well identified, at least -- the needs of the children were very well
identified, and also cearly identified is that they are going to continue to
grow and not diminish. There is still, and probably will be a greater need
as we progress along, so I don't think the CSC should fold its tent, at least,
at this particular time. From a funding standpoint, I think the whole thing
is going to be -- are we going to be able to fund it. The Board of County
Commissioners has money, as you know, and will be allocating that money in
the budget in the workshops and final budget review and the final budget
will be during the summer and September. So, I think we, the CSC, should
file an application -- and you must file an application if you are to be con-
sidered for monies from the Board of Commissioners. There is $150,000
allocated for a variety of services, as you know, but you have to file and
you have to file by a certain time and the Board would take that into consid-
Page 8.
eration. Some members of the Board have suggested for the CSC to
be a Board responsibility; maybe this would give them an opportunity
to participate, at least, to that extent. I think that we -- I don't
think the vote at all sugested that the people were not in support
of helping children -- at all, I think they merely said, "this is not the
way they want to do it and it there was a number of suggestions that
private funding ought to be the way to about the CSC. I think we
ought to give these persons an opportunity now to stand up and make
those wonderful contributions that they talked about. There was just
a helluv of a lot of those kinds of suggestins and comments. So I
think we ought to see now if they are willing to fund -- certainly
the Board of Commissioners will take into consideration some -- I think we
ought to ask for the whole $25,000 -- whether you get it or not, that is
another thought -- you may get some of it -- you may not get any -- but,
at least, you can ask -- and I think we should ask now for donation
from those who want it to be private, privatization -- and I think, we
should take a look at reconstituting the membership.
■ I serve at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners.and the commissioners
will determine whether they want me to continue, or that want someone
else to serve. I think Tom serves at the pleasure of the Governor -- I
don't think there's any question about that -- Nelson serves at the pleasure
of the school board, and I guess, Delores, by definition. . . .and (refering
to Judge Ellis) is also by definition, or do you serve at the pleasure
Judge Cynthia Ellis: As a juvenile judge -- that includes Judge Carlton
and myself as the two judges. . .
Richard Shanahan: And the other members should, I think, determine
whether they want to continue and/or should there be some new blood,
some new facies, 'some new ideas --
Pat Abbott/Collier County Health Department: Just to comment, Just
prior to the referendum, I was in Immokalee at the Outreach Clinic and
I was promoting the CSC , and I was speaking with one gentlemen and I
gave him some literature and he looked it over and thought it was very
good and he thought it was very wonderful until he looked on the back
and saw the constituency -- and he said, "where is somebody from
Immokalee --he said as long as there is no one from Immokalee, I am
not going to support it."
Richard Shanahan: that's a very valid point --that's why I say we need
to look at -- we've been together for how long now -- this group, 15 months
orso. . . .
Bea Harper: Since October 1990.
Richard Shanahan: October 1990, so we've been together a long period
of time, and again I think we ought to keep the CSC together, keep the
Council in focus, particularly now, where the needs are really identified --
now is not the time to fold your tent and quiety steal away into the night --
maybe a combination of Lee and Collier could certainly make sense and we'll
find out how the community really feels -- do they really mean what they --
Page 9.
do they really mean what they say -- and thisis an accountability
problem -- a structure problem -- certainly a tax problem -- the
sensitivity to taxes at this time, as everybody knows, is extremely
high -- so I think that's what we ought to do.
Bea Harper: Well, we have two vacancies and we have application
from various community people who want to serve on the Board, but
we have delayed sending them to the Commission because this meeting --
this was to be the decision meeting on whether we're, going to fold
our tent -- and walk the beack, take some trips, or do some personal
things that we might like to do
Richard Shang/inn: Are you going to take that cruise
Judge Cynthia Ellis: Dick, I have a question -- not to put you on a
spot, because I know you are one of the County Commissioners. You
indicated $150,000, and I assume you are alluding to your contracts --
the money thatthe county sets aside for contract services -- is that
correct? And I think you said roughly 4$178,000 this year -- (Shanahan --
yes we did). So basically what we are doing is adding one more needed
good cause to a lesser pot -- and just for the benefit of some of the
audience, some of the money goes to Friendship House, St. Matthews
House, Salvation Army and Shelter for Abused Women -- so now, we are
competing with very worthwhile causes -- so to give us money you are
taking some money that has already been and serving a purpose already
in the community -- my concern, and my hope would be, that (cough,
cough), I would like to be able to have programs come to us for us to
assist in getting them in some form to present to the county for some
funding and do ybu believe the philosophy of the county Commissioners is
going to change because, what I heard during the campaign was, "you
know you are not accountable.. . .we can't vote you off the Board -- of
course, the county commissioners are elected and can be voted off."
But, you know, the problem with that argument is that (cough, cough)
County Commissioners philosphy is that these are social services and
you are not going to put any money into that pot -- it is a catch-22--you
know, we were voted down because we're not accountable -- and the county
Commission is saying that is not a service that we, as elected county commission
feel that we should fund.
Richard Shanahan: Well some of those points are valid -- the fact that there
is a certain amount out there -- last year we started with $150,000 and we
wound up with $178,000, because we recognized that there were some needs
that needed funding -- the Board is split whether we should give a nickel
--you might as well recognize that -- that the Board decided, by recommend-
ation, by the way, by the Citizens Productivity Committee, that we ought to
be out of private funding of charitable organizations -- and then, at that
time, we had considerable more, as we allocated considerable sums of money --
more than $150,000, so we decided we would take it down to $150,000 and
then gradually go out over a 2/3 year period. But the first year, we looked
at it, we immediately backed tracked and were over $150,000 -- and I suppose,
we will have the same kind of arguments this year -- who to fund and how
Page 10.
much-- almost everyone you mention, very few of the agencies got what
they asked for -- everyone got scaled down and some of them didn't
get anything -- so, it might well be that we'll increae the pot of the CSC --
that's a possibility -- but you know -- and you know, there is validity
of the CSC doing what their specific goals and objectives were and their
stated position was -- you know what their mission was -- I dont' know
that that mission need be changed -- certainly, if you really say what
the mission is and what it should be, and that you would like to see it
take that direction -- so I think that's a matter for everybody to de-
cide.
Lavern Gaynor: The only problem is we're running out of money on
April 15, or before that
Richard Shanahan: Well, that's true -- I don't think -- you know I'm
just saying you certainly should give the Board an opportunity to con-
sider the CSC in the meantime fund raising can go forward -- there's
a lot of ways to raise funds and lots of fund raisers -- there seems to
be one every day, every night -- but again, getting backto what I
said initially, there were any number of letters to the editor suggesting
that private funds should be the method of funding the CSC -- for
what it's worth (but it won't be easy -- words from the audience) --
no question about that.
Bea Harper: Well I could get on my soap box, but I won't -- you know,
the very idea that we need (time for changing tapes) -- now that really
left me -- it seems to me a volunteer -- we're told constantly, let the
volunteers do,the work -- well, why couldn't the volunteers in Immokalee
have formed a committee for the beautification -- that's all I'll say --
but that's what I ,am saying, there is money to do what the county
commission wants to do, but the children, not only children, but some of
the elderly, are left out totally, so, you know, I think we need to, I
guess, we people who are interested in human services and human beings
in our community, have to stand up and be counted over and over again.
Well I would hate to see us disaband -- although that had been my thought --
I think I still have two more years appointed by the Governor to serve.
Mary Ellen zum Felde: May I address this for a second -- I have said this
before and I know it comes off particularly redundant, particularly to
Gile Seivers. I have served as an agency head in Pinellas County where
there was the Juvenile Welfare Board which is the CSC -- everyone of
the Council's position, except the superintendent of schools as that position
remains in the hands of the same person, which it has, and the HRS director.
There can be a number of juvenile justice judges, or a number of county
commissioners can serve in these positions, a number of school board members
can serve -- these are all rotating positions -- this is not a lifetime appoint-
ment in anyway; in fact, they are alternating, rotating positions and as
you know, right now, anyone can make application for these positions, so I
want to stress that there's really not anything magic about these persons that
are sitting here --it doesn't mean that somebody else couldn't bring magic
to it also -- and just to say to you Pat about Immokalee, there's no question
every segment of the county which includes Immokalee, Marco Island, Naples,
Everglades, etc. should not have representation on the CSC because we have
Page 11.
got kids everywhere -- there's no question about that -- so, I don't --
I wonder if that has been fully understood -- that this is an opportunity
for many, mny people in this whole county to serve on this particular
council, and the reason and wisdom, that it was set up in statute this
way is so that it would not be under the umbrella of anyone particular
entity -- you know, that it would have representation over all the
county and that it would not be -- I guess it could have been constituted
by the County commission has a dependent agency -- is that correct Dick? --
I don't know if that is what you are suggesting, or if you are suggesting
that we come to you only for some funds -- I assume it could
have been set up as a dependent agency and the people who originally
decided or felt we needed this said that isn't the way to go -- we don't
want it as a dependent agendy, because, frankly, the proof is it hasn't
worked that way -- dollars have been taken from it for other causes that
commissions have needed -- so we purposefully set it up and tried to get
contributions and funds so it would be an independent agency representative
to the people in the whole county and it would be representative of many
of different people and an opportunity that other people could serve on it. . .
so, I don't know if that makes it any clear or not.
Pat Abbott: I didn't misunderstand the structure -- I was just delivering
the message.
Mary Ellen zum Felde: I know Pat, and I appreciate that -- I don't know
if that message really did get out to the community -- that there was
nothing partciularly magic or special about the people that had been appointed
or the positions like Dee and Bob -- rotating when one can come and the
other can't.
Pat Abbott: I certainly hope the group continues because I feel they have
a very important role to ply. I think they have a movement started. I
would like to see it continue. I thnk they did a very good job of trying
to present what could be done with funding. In my view I would recommend
that the group remain visible and we present the public with figures -- many
times they need numbers -- you talk about juvenile justice -- you talk about
sexual abuse treatment -- I talk about children having babies -- show the
public why do we have two 12 year olds and a 13 year old having babies in
one week.
Mary Ellen zum Felde: I think we're starting -- if I may, madame chairman,
continue along with a statement you made the other day -- I think we're starting
to get more cooperation in showing these particular incidents in our media --
I think they're more willing to cooperate and put those specific things out
to the public -- some people are saying that this is not happening -- so we
definitely need this kind of support, and I still believe in County and I
think it is going to rise -- I think you have a lot of caring people here who
want to be proud of the county living -- not just for the medians and not
just for a lot of other things, but I think they are the kind of people who
will realize and will come forth and as a county we will address this situation.
I'm not just sure exactly how, but I believe that we will. . . .
Giles Seivers: I assume it is okay for me toexpress my philosophy on
Page 12.
this problem. I'm coming from a perspective that is probably prejudiced
because I have spent my whole career in this area, but I am more and
more convinced today that barking up the government tree expecting them
to be the brother's keeper, is the wrong tree to bark up, because it is
apparent by the actions of the county commissioners, present company
excepted, that they don't care to be and I think we and particularly
the Council must continue forward to bring together this county in
realizing -- to exteend the philosophy of -- people in need must be served
by the people who have the ability to help -- it has to be done -- and I
think that's only gonig to happen in any signficant way from the rising up
of leadership, such as this Council.
To raise the kind of funding out of private sources -- the only way to-
morrow's needs are going to be served in this country -- because govern-
ment has backed off -- welfare in this country isn't working -- it never
has and the politicians will never be able to make it work -- it will be us
who have the philosophy in living that must serve one's brother who will
get the job done and we will do it only in the way that if we can band
together and strengthn ourselves to get the job done, and I thik the
Council is the mode by which we can do it.
I think it, the Council, needs to broaden its representation. I think it
needs to get the media more solidly behind it. I think we need to get the
United Way organization to either give up in this county what they've been
trying to tack because it is not significant enough to do any significant
good. Don't quote me. . .I'm not saying its not doing good, but Im'
talking about greater significant good for the needs in this county. But
if the council and the people who believe in the philosophy of federated
giving, which thq United Way has done, and we quit spinning our wheels
in this direction and that direction, and all together band together, and
get a force for good in this county that will enable the agencies that already
exist to do more good, to reach forward with their expertise, rather than
all out there all struggling at the philanthorpic that is
available to them.
Let's have a greater resource to gather the funds in this county and make
it more definitive serving of needs, like you people are trying to do, and those
of us who are behind you in what you are doing. So I guess that's my
sermon, except I'm basically expressing my strong plea -- turn in
another direction -- don't go to the taxpayers -- they are not willing to
be their brother's keeper -- go to those, and I know the argument is that
it's always the same people that our helping other people -- but that's this
world we live in and that's the world we are going to live in to-morrow, so let's
go to those who are willing to do this because all of us sitting in this room
really want to help, but if we're going to wait for the politicans and if we're
going to wait for the populace to rise ukp, it's not going to happen. And
I think we should stop the fragmentation in Collier County of fund raising
and do something significiant fund raising with a very wise council of people
that is brought together, who represents all of us throughout the county
and disburse those monies where they will best be spent -- and I think that
that's what you ought to do -- I think that it would be unreal with the
present agencies -- I know my agency could be even stronger and reach
out in more beneficial programs, if we had a great group of people empowering
Page 13.
same
us to do that instead we're all fighting each other for the /dollars.
Bea Harper: I was just going -- while you were talking Giles, I was
thinking if I have not seen anything else in the past 18 months we have
been in existence, I have seen a coming together of agencies -- the
big agencies -- who are trying to do something in this community -- there
has been more cohesiveness and working together -- and putting aside
their own private agendas and now saying "hey there's a need, let's
all work together to do it." Who caries who gets the glory as long as
we take care of what is needed for the children, and that's been,
you know, and that's one of the reasons why I hate to see us disband
because I feel this can be developed even more and the agencies feel
that they have us -- that we will support them -- that we will give
them information -- we will do whatever we can to help them provide
the needs of our children.
Gerry Ellis, guardian ad litem: I'm also on the Board of the Cadet program
which is a new, hopefully, a new entity coming in. As a guardian I speak.
We have young children in the county whose parents cannot parent -- if
they went to parenting classes fora year they still would not know how to
take care of their children. One of the complains I have heard about the
tax to begin with was "I raised my children and I am not going to raise
anyone else's -- another complain I heard was about the accountability
of the group and money -- another complain I heard was the money would
go to the Haitians and the blacks -- all of these are just not true.
I have guided children who need counseling so badly. whose parents
cannot afford-to pay for it -- they start out being dependents -- parents
do not take care of them and they're next turn is delinquency -- so we have
a two-sided sword' we have to deal with here as far as that goes.
My thoughts on this is that since the children complain"we have no place
to go -- the adults say we need to earn money. . . ." Why don't we have
fund raisers that are geared towards children whether it be a dance or
something child-oriented -- where the child could get the benefit of having
the program and the proceeds could go to the Council. Another thought
I had was that the statistics on Collier County are truly unbelievable --
if on a weekly basis, there could be a column in the paper as to the number
of delinquents children -- the number of dependent children -- the amount
of items car thefts, etc. and have all this itemized in the
paper and inform the public the need is here and these figures will tell you
definitely what is needed and where. There are just so many things that
people just don't understand and they look at it being totally political and
it is isnt
Bea Harper: Thank you. I'll just say one thing -- if we started advertising
all of that we probably would have the animosity of all the realtors, because
people are going to say "hey don't -- people are not going to come to this
community and buy property where we hve problems." That's been one of
my complaints, I feel, that because of the real estate business practically
supports the economy of this community, we are not always successful in
getting out the gory details of just how bad things really are.
Page 14.
Ginny Stevens, David Lawrence Center: But on the other side of that --
one of the nice things about that is, knowing that, knowing how powerful
and important they are in this community and that they allow us an economic
basis that is very nice for a place for us to live, then we should put them
on our team and let them help us solve the problems -- they too want to
honestly, be able to refer people -- it is very frustrating to refer people
here and have them find out they may or may not be safe -- they may or
may not have children that are going to be in an environment that may
not be safe -- those are wonderful problem solvers -- those are the people
we need.
I would like to back up what the last two people said, and I say that I
think one of things, and I have only lived here for two years -- my whole
experience has been while we have had the CSC services, but one of those
things I thought most beneficial was the networking, the integrated focus
of what was happening in this community on children and I do not believe
the future lies in anything but accountability and the ability to provie
outcome, and the ability of this community to take hold of itself -- I just
don't see it -- I am like all those persons who said that they were looking
toward someone else -- if we don't focus down on ourselves and start
taking care of ourselves then it will happen and it is there and I guess
I feel very strongly the CSC must exist, otherwise, we'll go back to what
it was when I got here and I don't think that's where any of us want to
be. I think it is serious that we make sure accountability is the focus
of what we all do and I happen to work for a large agency, and yet the
accountability is one of the hardest things we have to do -- is to make sure
we're accountable and that we network, and networking is not easy un-
less we have accountable people, like yourselves, to whom we can come
forward and,give us the big picture, direct us, hook us up with people
we need to --focus on whatever- and I think that's critical. I would en-
couarage not only this Council to continue, but they get real determined
about their effort and be a treaage, or whatever you call it, for all of
us who need to work together -- must work together for what we need to
get the job done.
Bea Harper: Thank you Ginny,
Unidentified Person From The Audience: I have a question which is more
directed to Paul and perhaps he can answer this better. I am referring
to what the lady who was saying to do philanthropic fund raising here in
Collier County, but when I was involved with fundraising for the Legal
Aid Society some 12 years, the most interesting thing I discovered, and I
kind of stumbled into, is that there are lots of nationwid private found-
ations, private trusts, private organizations of various types that you can
make applications to for grants and we're talking lots and lots of money --
now it takes a tremendous amount of effort, because you have to put together
a very detailed grant application and my question to Paul is: "Is that not
perhaps a more effective and econcomical way for raising funds than having
local fund raising drives?
Paul Pinson: Well, a couple of responses. . .one I have a hesitancy -- let
me back up before that -- one of the things that has really helped us in
the last couple of years, and being able to build the constitutency of service
Page 15.
providers, is the fact that we are not perceived as competition. We
haven't been out there trying to beat the bushes, running fundraisers,
trying to stay alive. We have been very fortunate to have two or theee
people that have funded us privately. Cindy mentioned what if we
go to the County Commission -- then we're in the competition business,
I have a hesitancy about that -- so, it occurs to me that it is a
natural avenue to go beyond our community to work for funding. I
have kinds of lists -- the 40 some odd private foundations that are in
Collier County -- you may not have heard my comment earlier on -- I
spoke about John Nagel (cough, cough) getting us hooked up with the
Ford Foundation -- the Ford Foundation is extremely interested in
childrn's needs. There is a strong possibility of being able to present
a grant to them, so those opportunities exist. It is a matter of energy,
time and putting the grants together and going forward with it. . . .you
strike out more than you succeed, but you've got to plug away -- so I
think that's a very viable alternative.
Bea Harper: I think it is a viable alternative, but I can tell you, it
is very disappointing to spend a whole summer, which I have done, in
writing grants and sending hem out --thick, you know, everything they
require and then have it come back and say we regret to advise that the
funds are limited..and blah, blah, blah. How many grants have you applied
for Giles?
Giles Seivers: My experience over the years has said if you are going
to be successful with a foundation, you have to have a political in --
I to have the foundation even look favorably upon your request -- and
that's the key to breaking into the world of foundation philosophy -- is
that you've got to have contacts -- and it is a political game and you
have got to plays golf with the directors of the foundation -- this is how
all those contacts work out there in this world today and you've got to
know how to play the game -- and some universities are very successful
at it because they spend a lot of money to make it possible for them to
get into the world of these trusts and philanthropies -- but just to write
grants does not do the job:
Bea Harper: Well, I was just going to say that I was successful in
getting three grants for the Hopewood in Immokalee, but it was only be-
cause I went around the back door and found out some people who knew
somebody to get into the Board.
Mary Ellen zum Felde: You know, Naples and Collier County has been
publidized in many, many magazines and media as one of the most affluent
community in the U.S. We went through ballot asking for 1/4 mill of the
property tax and were defeated. I guestt if I were sitting on, .and I never
have sat on a Foundation Board, I guess I would be looking at a proposal
saying "well wait a minute, why are those people coming to us and asking
when they are sitting down there in one of the most affluent communities in
the U.S.? Why don't the people in Collier County address some of their
own needs." I just have to say that
Gile Seivers: Are any of you familiar with Minneapolis -- what they are
Page 16.
doing in Minneapolis -- they have the top CEO's of the major corporations
in Minneapolis -- have gotten together and have decided there is going
to be a percentage of corporate receipts ear-marked for giving to worthy
needs and causes and they sort of a 3%/5$ club -- it is a philosophy that
permeates all the corporations in the Minneapolis area -- and it has been
one of the most productive things in this country -- coming from the
Minneapolis area -- is the success of seeing the needs and funding the
need in the Minneapolis area -- and if any body could do it, we've
got people living in this area who are IBM CEO's -- people who really
know how to get things done. If that kind of philosophy could be adopted
in our county -- not only corporations but small business -- everyone
getting on the bandwagon and creating this, "we'll be our brothers keeper"
like the Minneapolis has done -- it is amazing what has happened to Minneapolis
with that philosophy -- when it is done at the very top level of movers
and shakers who say we are going to be a community who gets things
done for their own
Richard Hallas, guardian ad Mem: I have a son and daughter-in-law who
live in Minneapolis and if this is a viable idea for all of you, I think my
wife and I can probably get a lot of information about the movement. . . .I'll
do that if you think that's a good idea , but what really want,to say is
that throughout this whole thing --after dealing with as many children as
we have been handling, I heard a catch phrase that really isn't true -- a
lot of people in her kept saying that children have a tendency to fall through
cracks -- that's not true folks, they are not cracks. I have got kids that
are in canyons and they can get out -- now there are a lot of people on the
rim of the canyon and they have all got hands out and some of those kids
have even latched on to a hand, but when they find out it has certain criteria --
usually rooms -- they'll only hold 18 or 25 or they're full -- or one organization
won't take a child that is judicated delinquent -- so what happens is that
these people with all their good intentions on the rim of the canyon really
wind up fighting one another -- so if you are going to stay together and
I recommend that you do -- I think you should pull out all the stops -- all
these people that since you got together as an
organization, especially about money, I think you should make them put their
money where their mouth is.
Dr. Thomas Richey: I just -- I think we are hearing a lot of similar comments
and I just want to make three observations. #1, I really believe the CSC
needs to maintain its presence in this community -- if nothing more than
drawing visibility to the needs of children through the networking process.
#2. I do believe you cannot go to government any longer because they too
have reached their maximum capacity to meet the needs of the community,
and I like the idea of confronting those within the last campaign that said,
we can do it through private resources. . . .to give them that opportunity and
I think the gentleman who spoke about that the retirees come from every
facet, General Motors, IBM, AT&T, etc. -- the intelligence, and I could go
and on -- these people stretch across the spectrum of the US economy, I
wonder if it would not be advisable for the CSC to draw together a Found-
ation Board composed of these poeple who have the contacts, who have the
know-how -- to get their ideas and assistance, or even have them to spear-
head a fund raising acdtivity for us, just as the YMCA does -- to reach down
and help a child -- as this gentlean so ably said, "we don't have children
Page 17.
falling through the cracks, we have children who can't even get out of
their enviroments to succeed and there is an old saying that's been used
many times -- "no man stands as tall as when he stoops to help a child" --
we need to get people seeing needs and get people bending over to stoop
to help our children, because if we don't, we're not going to be able to
sustain the society and community we want and have come to expect --
so let me say, I support the continuation of the CSC and I believe we
cannot go to government for funds and we ought to be doing some kind
of a Foundation Board to help us acquire funds from our community and
we ought to look into the grants and explore the possibility of having
someone writing grants for us in pursuit of the national revenue stream
from philanthropic organizations.
Judge Cynthia Ellis: I think as a Council, we should with open arms
accept Paul's offer, and your officer, and everyone who has continued
to work with us as long as everyone is able, but I think that as a Council,
now that the campaign is behind us -- we need to get some active committees
and have each one of the Council members take on one of these taks --
you know, Foundations would not be one of my strengths, but I could
possibly do more special projects -- you know, I could try to get with
Sheriff Hunter and make presentations sexual abuse treatment programs
presentation. We could have someone chair a grant committee -- someone
chair a Foundation comitee and get more council participation in terms
of actually getting some work done now -- or someone to continue networking
with agencies, and I move that we make a motion that we do continue to
operate -- that we work with committees -- well, when it comes to the
mtotion, that we continue.
Bea Harper: Is there a second?
Delores D. Dry: 'I second. . . (All in favor. . . .unanimous.)
Bea Harper: I was thinking about that too -- particularly if we want to
pursue -- I think one of the most critical needs at this point is the
fire to put out, is juvenile justice and I was just wondering if you would
work with Sheriff Hunter and see just how we can be effectivd in seeing
that program go forward. Are there any objections to that appointment?
Richard Shanahan: She volunteered
Bea Harper. Okay Cindy?
Judge Cynthia Ellis: May I also work on the sexual abuse treatment program
or is someone else particularly interested in that area?
Delores G. Dry: I '11 work on that thing with you -- and
Judge Cynthia Ellis: I don't know that you and I should be on the same
together -- but I can coordinate people locally who can get in touch with
you. . .the sunshine law, etc. . . .
Page 18.
Nelson Faerber: I just want to state, to make it abundantly clear, that
the school board seat on this council still exists. I still sit in it until
they change me out of here -- they show no great desire to do so -- to
move me and there was no abundance of volunteers from the Board
I just want to make sure there is a seat there and I am recorded as voting
with you. . . .and I have an idea I think I am going to explore myself and
that is to seek who voted for the 1/4 mill -- .see if they will donate a 1/4
mill
Bea Harper: Do you have any expertise Nelson oun Foundations.
Nelson Faerber: No, but you who does though is Passidomo -- maybe
he would do that voluntarily. I know he is tied in with several of those
types of organizations.
Bea Harper: Well, who would serve on the sexual abuse treatment committe.
Delores D. Dry: I will have a delegate employee. I will have someone
to do that because starting next week, I'm going to really be geared to do
this thing for the Human Services Board. I have no other choice, that
is going to be consumming most of my moments of peace.
Bea Harper: Well, Dee if you delegate one of your staff there is no reason
why they couldn't work with Cindy we will pursue Foundations and
get several to help us. . . .are there any other comments. . . .yes Pat?
Pat Abbott: You know I can always add something -- I think that there
was a very strong -- of this Council, I recommend that you build on
your strengths -- not to try on something new, but I am talking about
agencies and services in the community. This is something we happened
to do when we were submitting our proposals -- to build on existing agencies
and groups and then expanding them rather than -- to deal with new ones.
I have to agree with one of the comments that was made and this is something
I have said repeatedly - in this context -- "I take care of mine -- you take
care of yours." I agree we need some outside funding but I think there
needs to be an effort put forth that this is our county and these are our
children -- theyare our responsibility. . .and maybe we can change the minds
of someone of those who see differently now -- and they can recognize that
what someone else's child does may effect theirs ----
Bea Harper: Somewhere I read something I thought was great. . ."every
child is born with a message that God is not yet discouraged of man" and
I thought how true. When a baby comes into the world it is perfect. .
it is innocent. . .it is an indication God has not giveen up on us and that
we will continue.
Ginn), Stevens: One more thing -- I would like to add to your statement
that the only substance responsible adults are made out of is the child -- but
I would like to encourage you, and this is off the top of my head -- that
maybe the Council look at some format or form for keeping those networking
together -- possibly a newsletter, possibly all of could submit information
to you so we can be informed. I think a cooperative venture and collaborative
efforts in the future is the only way we are going to be able to do the job --
what we need to do, and so, if you all act as that resource for all of us and
Page 19.
keep us posted -- I know I read everything -- we all do -- so I would
encourage you that you guys be the central point for all that information
and all of us take the responsbility for keeping you informed so you can
better do your job
Bea Harper: Thank you Ginny.
Judge Cynthia Ellis: I would like to see more committees established --
physical space, operatins, state of fundraising that could be a committee
in terms of coordinating
Bea Harper: Well, I'm working on that, space. . .
Judge Cynthia Ellis: Grants, fundraising -- ideas, little things.
Bea Harper: How about you (Mary Ellen) for fundraising?
Mary Ellen zum Felde: Well, I was just trying to think how many people
I could get to help with that -- I'll be glad to chair it.
Robert Ritz, HRS Districrt Admin. Delegate: What I see happening here
is similar to what the structure of the Coalition For A Drug Free Lee
County. . .they have various task groups, according to topical areas --
youth, elder, etc. down the line -- and there is a board of Directors,
the Council, that oversees each of these groups and tries to coordinate
the activities and helping them with fund raising and sort of technical
assistance, .etc. You might want to think -- not today but at your
next meeting --of setting up a strtucture that is a broad based community
involvement in the form of these groups. Because the Council is not
dealing just with juvenile justice, dependency, handicapped conditions,
etc. , but most people think of working with children -- a lot of those
persons have a certain area they want to work in -- it is not just with
children -- a lot of people want to work in a special area for children
and families, so if you set up some kind of structure like that the
momentum will keep it going, I can assure you, because I have seen it
happen.
The second point I wish to make, and then I'll sit down. Judge, I'm
working with the Sheriff's Office in Lee County, right now and setting
up an American Assembly on juvenile justice for the 20th Judicial Circuit --
five counties. There will be 100 pepole invited to participate -- policies,
directives and goals, etc. It will be in June. . Atlantic University is
going to faclitate it. It will cost us $2,000 to put it on. That would
be one thing this Council, especially your committee, needs to be in-
loved with. . .June 13 and 14th, I think, I'll let you know.
Bea Harper: Bob you are exactly right and one of the things that we
were thinking about when we were asking for funds -- it was going to be
community participation -- that we were going to have committes in which all
of the community would have the opportunity to voice their opinions and to
say how the funds were going to be used. This is done in Palm Beach --
this is done in Pinellas -- they have these committes who then report to the
Page 20.
Council, so that is a project we are
Council,
we, are isjuat project
going to do
and fund-raising, working on juvenile justice, but at this point, I
sexuasl abuse, space
Mary Ellen sum Felde: I think I'll work with Nelson
Bea Harper: Are there anyon fund raising,
for coming, your support other comments. . . . .I want to thank everyone
afterofailing means a great deal to us
so miserably. . .that I would come here �t do and I was
be one or two persons, and then I reallyapprehensive
was goingY and there might
The meeting to upset. . . .
was adjourned. Motion made by Richard Shanahan.
by Mary Ellen.
seconded