HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-045RESOLUTION 2026- 045
A RESOLUTION OF THE INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
COMMISSON, SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION BY
PIONEERING CHANGE, INC. TO DESIGNATE THE
GIFFORD COMMUNITY AS A FLORIDA CHILDREN'S
INITIATIVE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Florida State Statute 409.147 establishes a process to clearly identify
severely disadvantaged areas and provides guidance for developing a new social service paradigm
that systematically coordinates programs addressing the critical needs of children and their
families, and directs efforts to rebuild the basic infrastructure of the community; and
WHEREAS, a Florida Children's Initiative (FCI) is a designated neighborhood or
community in Florida where the infrastructure and opportunities that are often taken for granted
in middle-class communities are nonexistent or so marginal that they are ineffective. FCIs are
modeled after the nationally recognized Harlem Children's Zone; and
WHEREAS, it is Florida's policy to provide the necessary means to assist local
communities, the children and families who live in those communities, and the private sector in
creating a sound educational, social, and economic environment. To achieve this objective, the
state provides investments to encourage community partners to commit financially and with other
resources to severely disadvantaged areas; and
WHEREAS, the Gifford community experiences significant socioeconomic challenges,
including a poverty rate of approximately 42%, more than three times the state average, with over
one-quarter of residents living in extreme poverty; and
WHEREAS, 33.3% of the population is under the age of 18, underscoring the critical need
for targeted investments in youth development, education, and family support systems; and
RESOLUTION 2026- 045
WHEREAS, approximately 59.5% of children in the Gifford community live below the
poverty line, demonstrating severe economic disadvantage during critical developmental years and
increasing the risk of long-term negative outcomes; and
WHEREAS, educational attainment in the Gifford community remains limited, with only
about 80% of adults holding a high school diploma and significantly fewer attaining postsecondary
degrees, restricting access to higher -wage employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, limited access to resources such as affordable housing, broadband
connectivity, and community infrastructure continues to hinder economic stability and opportunity
for residents; and
WHEREAS, these combined factors demonstrate the need for a coordinated, place -based
strategy that integrates education, health, economic development, and family support services to
improve outcomes for children and families in the Gifford community; and
WHEREAS, Pioneering Change Inc. with its established presence in the Gifford
community and ability to leverage partnerships from all facets of the Gifford community and
beyond, is uniquely positioned to develop and submit this application. Pioneering Change Inc. will
bring together the community and resources necessary to address gaps in service delivery and
provide a cradle -to -career path forward for the children living in these neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, guiding children out of poverty in the Gifford Community must be supported
by actions and resource investments to improve infrastructure and the provision of services within
the county, in partnership with state and private sectors, to achieve a collective impact; and
WHEREAS, Pioneering Change, Inc. will apply for the Florida Children's Initiative
Designation on behalf of the Gifford community, which will be modeled after the Harlem
RESOLUTION 2026- C45
Children's Zone and defined by Florida Statute 409.147, to provide funding that assists
disadvantaged areas within the state in creating a community-based service network that develops,
coordinates, and provides quality education, accessible healthcare, youth development programs,
opportunities for employment, and safe and affordable housing for children and families.
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners' support for this application is limited
to endorsement of the application itself and does not constitute a commitment of County funds,
personnel, or other resources, nor does it obligate the County to participate in or fund any future
activities associated with the Florida Children's Initiative.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY COMMISSION, FLORIDA, AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the County hereby recommends and supports the application on behalf
of the children and families of the Gifford community to be considered for designation as a Florida
Children's Initiative.
SECTION 2. The County supports the application as written to improve conditions for the
Gifford community.
SECTION 3. This Resolution shall become effective upon passage.
The foregoing resolution was moved for adoption by Commissioner 5KA S Ay� A -b `5
and seconded by Commissionen3 `,,C_P,( upon being put to a vote, the vote was
as follows:
Chairman Deryl Loar A
Vice Chairman Laura Moss
Commissioner Susan Adams S
RESOLUTION. 2026- C45
"6--CCommissioner Joseph E. Flescher 7"6--
Commissioner
ommissioner Joe Earman F�
k+ -
The Chairman thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and adopted this 2-1 day of
June, 2026.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
INDLNIVER TY, FLORIDA
By:�,,,�
eryl Lo , Chairman y: _
BCC approved: J u r-% a- Za ?� •. 1 , Q°�
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'��LFR COUN�;E' •
ATTEST: Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of
Circuit Court and Comptroller
By:
eputy Clerk
By:
John A. Titkanich. Jr.
County Administrator
Approved s to fo legal sufficiency:
By:
Jenniffer W. Shuler
County Attorney