8/15/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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AUG 15 19 Poor 77 Commissioner Scurlock also had some problems with the price, which he felt was low, particularly for commercial property, and Commissioner Bird wondered where the funds come from for this agency. Dr. Karen Borchers, Executive Director of the Children's Home Society, South Coastal Division, informed the Board that they are a private not-for-profit agency with funding through United Ways, various contributions, and they have some state purchase -of- service contracts; they have no fees - most of their services are free. They chose this -site primarily because of the location. They established a Safe Harbor Runaway Center in West Palm Beach in 1986, and it is the only runaway center between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Borchers noted that the typical runaway is a white girl about 14115 years old, and whatever their reason is for running away, whether minor or not, kids are in danger on the streets. She did feel there is a big need for a runaway center in this area. The HRS budget for 1991 includes allocation for a new center somewhere, and this area is a very high priority because it is a big gap area in the state. Where the money actually goes depends on the Legislators for the different areas, on having property to build on, and on having an agency capable of operating the center. Dr. Borchers felt Oslo Road is ideally located because it is close to U.S.I, close to the border of Indian River and St. Lucie Counties, and halfway between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. The triangular shape and the easements will limit them, and she believed the back portion is residential which would further limit them, but they would use it as green space. Chairman Wheeler saw that the Society has a house donated to them and funds donated to move it. Dr. Borchers agreed, but did not know if they can move quickly enough because there is a deadline involved in moving the house before it is destroyed. It would be an excellent house for them. 40 M