Dear LSF,

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been! I want to thank you all for continuing the important work we do here at LSF, in the midst of a national crisis. I specifically want to thank our field staff, who continues to serve clients every day to meet their needs; you really are the lifeline to the families in crisis. I’m proud of the work we are doing and have heard many stories about supporting our children, families and individuals. I want to give a special shout out to our operations teams who have been making the transition to working virtually where we can with the help of IT. I won't pretend this is easy, but your positive attitude and dedication to contributing to impactful work is admirable.

Spring is upon us, Good Friday is almost here and then Easter. While you may not be able to celebrate these days traditionally with your family and church, I encourage you to take some time for yourselves and the loved ones around you to reflect on all the positive there is in the world, even in these challenging times. I wish you all a happy and healthy Easter holiday this year.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Please stay safe, vigilant and know we will get through this together. Read on to learn more about what's happening around the state.

Sam Sipes
President and CEO

Duval Head Start Success!
LSF FACES worker leaped into action after several follow-up phone calls to a family during the first week of virtual learning in Duval County. After speaking with them, it was discovered one parent and their four-year-old Head Start child were sleeping in their vehicle and bathing in a public store.

The FACES worker acted quickly to look for shelters and explore living options. Local shelters were not accepting new clients, however a family friend was able to provide a temporary unfurnished room for the parent and child to live in. The FACES worker engaged a community partner to provide the family with numerous household items and furniture. This is a perfect example of how LSF Head Start programs provide more than virtual learning, but essentials for daily life to create a strong family!
"The smile on their face today just warmed my heart. One of the items she received was from Bath & Body Works, when the parent saw it her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. She has never had anything from that store. I am so happy that we were all able to partner together to supply this family with the much-needed items. I can sleep in peace tonight knowing that this family has a roof over their heads and essential daily items."
 – Taliegha Paige LSF Duval Head Start FACES worker 
Innovation at its Finest
CSO Amelia Fox and EVP Mike Carroll bring virtual care to LSF clients through a video-based system that allows for HIPAA compliant counseling and case management interactions.

Head Start Launches Virtual School! Our HS programs in Duval, Palm Beach and Pinellas are leveraging technology and using a platform that allows educators to communicate with families and share early education content. The activities and parent videos are simple and offer parents ways to turn an everyday routine, like putting away groceries into vocabulary practice! We had attendance high at 82 percent in Duval the first week!

Dr. Christine Cauffield, CEO of LSF Health Systems is sharing her expertise in Jacksonville on local news stations addressing issues like the effects of long-term isolation on rates of suicide, fighting the need for structure and control, and coping with the mental health impact of the pandemic. See two of the many news stories below:


Dates to Remember:

  • 4/10 Good Friday

  • 4/12 Easter

  • 4/22 Earth Day

  • 4/28-4/29 LSF 2020 Giving Challenge
Did you hear? LSF will begin providing diversion services to at risk families in Pinellas County starting July 1, 2020. If you or someone you know may be interested, please click the link below to start your new career path.

Spreading Love through LSF
Our first CINS/FINS non-residential intern Rachel had to quickly finish her internship at LSF with her college graduation being cancelled. Congratulations Rachel! We couldn’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for us. You will be missed!
Lizz Greenburg, Senior Accountant at LSF shares a positive message found in her local neighborhood, amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Keep those stories and tibits coming! E-mail communications@lsfnet.org
Leading Virtually or Information Overload
As you know our leaders have been meeting every morning to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 and meeting the needs of employees and clients as we navigate through this unprecedented time. Everyone is inundated with information right now through the media, social and e-mail. We are aware of that and want to be sensitive as you navigate working virtually to serve our vulnerable population. That's why we want to hear from you in the field. Would it be helpful to hear about what’s happening around LSF and the overall state of the agency from our leaders through a virtual town hall?
Should we hold a virtual Town Hall
Yes
No
Hi there! I’m Kate, it’s great to (virtually) meet you. I just came on board with LSF, as the new Communications Manager working under the VP of Communications, Terri Durdaller. I’ll be handling the employee newsletter from now on and I would love if you would send me any stories in your program area that you’d like to see featured! Let’s showcase all the great work LSF is doing around the state! Kate.Smith@lsfnet.org - I look forward to working with you all!

You can see me below in the bottom right square. It has been interesting to start a new job during this time, but I am here, focused and engaged. And I may just write a blog about it to share with all of you! (That's another plug for sending me stories too.)