Healthy, Educated, Supported, and Safe |
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From the Executive Director, Colin G. Murphy |
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Happy Holidays to all of our friends in Alachua County and beyond. It is the Season of Light for many traditions and includes Diwali, Hannukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanza and New Year's Day. It in the midst of the winter darkness, people through the ages have held up candles to light the way forward.
We thank the community for their light and faith in us to help our children and their families. Every day we try to lift up those in need. Some days are harder than others. But, we get to wake up and do good things for a living. We are very lucky.
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Educators and individuals who represent programs and organizations that fuel the imagination, education and growth of students can apply for a Florida Golden Grant.
Activities that qualify for a Golden Grant include arts and crafts programs, education initiatives, mentorship and empowerment programs, after-school programs, community service outreach, sporting programs, technology and COVID-19 relief efforts. Learn More.
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Launched in October 2000 by the Afterschool Alliance (www.afterschoolalliance.org), Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. Alachua County celebrated this event for the first time. Children of all ages, their families, and afterschool program providers all join in the fun. State Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson (District 20) spoke as the Special Guest.
Lights On Afterschool draws attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, robotics, sports—and discover new skills. The Cade Museum is an example of a venue through which children in Alachua County can experience high-quality learning opportunities. This event sends a powerful message many more kids in Alachua County need quality afterschool programs.
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Business and Leadership Institute for Early Learning |
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Community Partnership School's Wellness Program at Howard Bishop Middle School |
At the recent Board Meeting, Rebecca Couch, Area Director CPS, and LaToya Jennings Lopez, Director HBMS CPS, presented the Community Partnership School's Wellness Program at Howard Bishop Middle School. This year, the CTAC has fully funded the position of Wellness Coordinator. This role will aim to increase health and medical awareness for students, parents, and the community. It will coordinate community events to connect children and their families to health, dental, vision, nutrition, and mental health support and services. |
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Partnership for Reimagining Gainesville |
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Partnership for Reimagining Gainesville is a community outreach facilitator that focuses on community-based collaboration and meaningful impact to develop the ability to address complex issues within the community.
The Partnership:
- Empowers community members to use their knowledge, skills and experiences to address social problems
- Works with community stakeholders to identify and support impact-focused ideas.
- Provides supportive resources such as micro-grant funding, technical assistance, social networking, and more
The Children's Trust is contributing $50,000 to the initiative.
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Dolly Parton Imagination Library |
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The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is an early childhood book gifting program for families that reside in the 32609 and 32641 zip codes. Families can register children ages 0-4 for the program.
Our Alachua County Dolly Parton Affiliate, Gainesville Thrives, will complete the registration and within two months, the child will receive a special edition of The Little Engine That Could welcoming them to the program. Each child will receive an additional age appropriate book every month until they turn five, at no cost to the parent/guardian.
Gainesville Thrives promotes tutoring and mentoring for kindergarten through high school students. Learn more.
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Veteran Community Engagement Coordinator Joins Children’s Trust |
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We are very excited to welcome Elizabeth Cayson to our team. She brings extensive experience in community advocacy and development. Her experience will help the Trust develop a deeper dialogue with community members so that we may improve the livability of all children.
Elizabeth holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach and a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from Barry University in Miami Shores.
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Children’s Trust Hires Experienced Research and Evaluation Expert |
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Bonnie Wagner fills a critical role at the Children's Trust through researching best practices and continuously evaluating what's working; CTAC will be well-positioned to ensure that the public's fund makes a massive difference, for the greatest number of Alachua County's children, in the shortest period of time.
Bonnie comes from the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, where she worked for nearly 11 years as a Research and Evaluation Analyst and then the Evaluation Officer. Bonnie earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Hartwick College in New York and earned her master's degree in Research, Statistics, and Measurement from Southern Connecticut State University. Bonnie also obtained a Technical Certificate in Computer Programming from Palm Beach State College.
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The next Board Meeting is on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the Cade Museum |
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