2005-328d - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Edit this Header. Type the organization andprogram name and the funder for whom it is being completed . The page # is already set at the bottom right of every page. Be PROGRAM NEED STATEMENT (Entire Section B not to exceed one page) 1 . a) What is the unacceptable condition requiring change ? b) Who has the need ? c) Where do they live ? d) Provide local, state, or national trend data, with reference source, that corroborates that this is an area of need . What : Limited number of affordable programs available to working parents throughout the year in Indian River County. FCAT scores have demonstrated need for enhanced supplemental education, particularly in literacy education. Mental wellness of children in Indian River County is another area of critical need . Who : Children with risk factors such as qualifying for the free or reduced lunch program, living in single parent homes, alcohol tobacco or drug use, symptoms of depression, displaying anti - social behavior or dropping out of school . Many families have single parents or both parents working full time . Many parents find themselves stretched to the limit just trying to provide basic needs . Only 36% of the GYAC ' s children come from two- parent households . 94% are minority children . 80 % of the local children are reading below grade level in the 2nd grade . Only 23 % of local children are currently graduating from high school . Where : The numbers of school aged children living in Indian River County are located in the western, central and southern ends of the county. The children with the greatest socioeconomic need are centrally located in the county. The School Age Children ' s program provides productive, supervised activities that give children tools for education and living. The arts are a tremendous vehicle for enhancing educational and character skills learning to improve mental wellness . Data : Figures form the Florida Department of Education indicate a steady increase in students in Indian River County eligible for the free or reduced lunch program . In 1999-200 , the percentage was 39% and for 2001 -2002 , the figure rose to 46 %, a 7% increase in just one year . This translates into 6 , 856 of the county ' s 14 , 904 students being eligible for the free or reduced lunch program . Data from the needs assessment conducted in 2002 by the Children' s Services Advisory Committee indicated that the percent growth in impoverished families with children in Indian River County had a 46% rise from 1990-2000 . A subsidized childcare and wait list chart in that same report indicated that there is a capacity for 182 in- school children, but the need is for 250 , revealing a gap of 68 that need a place for childcare after school . Evident in the report was a need for mental wellness for children in our county. Prevention of mental distress and illness was the recommended outcome . The School Age Children's program gives each child the opportunity participate in arts programs that require discipline and perseverance in mastering various crafts, which gives the child a healthy outlet for expression, increases his or her feelings of self worth and gives the child constructive ways to spend spare time in healthy recreation. All of these skills assist in the prevention of mental distress and illness . 2 . a) Identify similar programs that are currently serving the needs of your targeted population ; b) Explain how these existing programs are under-serving the targeted population of your program . a) Some of the other programs in Indian River County that service children in after school settings with arts programs include : the Boys & Girls Club, The Daisy Hope Center, and Our Lady of Guadeloupe Catholic Church. However, none of these services the children in the Central County-Gifford area. Which has been shown to be an area of extreme need . 5