My concern with most needs assessments is with the definitions and use of the terms “outcomes” and “needs”. The. traditional approach is to inventory and assess how existing programs are doing and seek to identify what more is needed to meet the demand in the community. What is called for first is a gap analysis…
At the May 12, 2021 United Partners for Human Services annual conference in Tallahassee the winner of the Gant Kaufman Award was announced. A combined award of $1000 was made to Faith Presbyterian Church Preschool and Kindergarten. The school was recognized form their diversity scholarship program for families who cannot afford tuition for preschool and…
With the passing of Roger Kaufman this year, the 21st Century Council annual awards take on additional meaning. Dr. Kaufman was internationally respected and brought great recognition to Florida State University and Tallahassee. The Council is honored to be able to annually present an award in his name through the FSU College of Education and…
As we start the new year, few would have predicted the turmoil in Washington that has had much repercussions across the country. Clearly, words matter, though facts seem not to. The incitement to protest was not based on anything substantiated, but just a wish to undo an outcome some people did not like. The refusal…
At this time of year we exchange greetings and best wishes, hoping the holidays and year ahead will be filled with peace and joy. This year with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, happiness may be hard to come by for families who have experienced personal or economic losses. Social distancing and restricted travel may…
As we start the Holiday Season, there is much optimism over the potential of vaccines for COVID-19. However, the realists among us recognize that the next few months will be a challenge as we endure continued economic issues for many families and the cold and flu season. The pressures on local non-profits and churches to…
With most of the votes in and the winners almost all recognized in local, state and national races, we can turn our attention to what is next. The impact of Covid-19, climate change and political stalemates will have to be reckoned with. The economic outlook is for a long and slow recovery with the unemployed…
There have been several discussions over the accuracy and timeliness of reporting on COVID-19 by the State of Florida. One alternative site that has proven to be reliable is the Florida COVID-19 Dashboard found at http://www.experience.arcgis.com. As of October 26, 2020 the site reported 786,311 positive cases found in Florida with a test positivity rate…
The November 2020 ballot initiative to support an increase in property taxes dedicated to the Childrens Services Council as authorized under Florida Statutes has generated quite a bit of discussion. Many Leon County residents, groups and officials support the measure with data highlighting children entering school unprepared to learn, juvenile crime, family poverty and hunger,…
For some 20 years before he passed away I enjoyed reading the regular columns of Sidney J, Harris (1917-1986). This quote recently posted on A.Word.A.Day struck home at this time. “Patriotism is proud of a country’s virtues and eager to correct its deficiencies; it also acknowledges the legitimate patriotism of other countries, with their own…