Today, more than half of Florida’s children live in households struggling to afford basic needs. In addition to the difficulties that creates, this single circumstance also puts them at greater risk for suffering abuse or neglect, dropping out of high school and engaging in harmful behavior — all of which have a ripple effect in our community. In Orange County that number jumps as high as 79 percent.

Instead of glancing over this disturbing statistic, our community is rallying to change it.

Addressing significant challenges can’t happen in a silo. It requires dedicated problem-solving and innovative solutions across sectors, from education and affordable housing to health care, nutrition and more.

And as our nation wraps up the celebration of Women’s History Month, it’s opportune to point out some of the collaborative solutions throughout the region being led by local women making history in our own community.

Let’s celebrate the commitment to students of Dr. Barbara Jenkins, previous Orange County superintendent, as well as current superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez, both of whom have opened doors of opportunity to students — especially those in traditionally under-resourced neighborhoods — through their support of Orange County’s four Community Partnership Schools, located at Evans High, Jones High, OCPS Academic Center for Excellence and Eccleston Elementary.

Since first launching the model at Evans High a decade ago, graduation rates have increased to more than 90 percent, as committed partners bring the community together to address tough challenges facing students and families. From hunger, homelessness and family violence to chronic health conditions, mental health struggles and academic challenges, Community Partnership Schools bring services and supports into the school so students can receive help they need and teachers can do what they do best — teach. And when teachers can focus on teaching, the results speak for themselves.

The Community Partnership School model was established through a unique partnership among Children’s Home Society of Florida, Orange County Public Schools and the University of Central Florida; since it debuted at Evans in 2012, it’s been replicated three dozen times throughout the state. It’s worth noting that the leaders at Children’s Home Society of Florida — Andry Sweet, CEO; Sherri Gonzales, Regional Executive Director serving Central Florida; and Curtesa Vanderpool, Senior Director for Community Partnership Schools — as well as the University of Central Florida’s Center for Community Schools, Dr. Amy Ellis, are a group of powerful women creating history in our community as they impact the next generation.

In Seminole County, Commissioner Amy Lockhart’s determination to create a safe, welcoming, thriving community of support through the county’s Rosenwald initiative is no surprise, given her relentless advocacy for kids throughout her years serving on the Seminole County School Board.

And the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole’s Executive Director Karen Willis is shaping the future for thousands of young children every year, as she continues to advocate for early childhood programming and funding that will impact generations.

While there isn’t enough space to applaud all the local women creating a world where children can realize their full potential, I encourage you to reach out and thank a woman you know who is positively impacting history.

I also encourage you to take it one step further — be part of creating a world where our daughters and granddaughters can have this chance — regardless of their circumstances. Become part of the good and advocate for every child in our community (and in our state) to have a chance to succeed.

As our legislators gather at the Capitol to make tough decisions, make sure children remain on their mind. Join me in advocating for the great work in Central Florida to continue — and to expand. Ask your local legislators to support the $11 million appropriation to sustain and expand Community Partnership Schools. The Florida Senate has supported the funding; as the House takes it under consideration, your voice matters. The students you’ll impact through this advocacy today will be the history makers of tomorrow.

Ronald A. Brisé is Public Policy Chair of the board of directors of Children’s Home Society of Florida.

By: Richard A. Brise

Originally posted by Orlando Sentinel