The Florida Chamber Foundation is intensifying its efforts to address generational childhood poverty through the Florida Prosperity Initiative, which targets solutions at the zip code level. The initiative aims to replace cycles of poverty with pathways to prosperity and self-sufficiency for families across the state.
Heather Cogar, Statewide Director of Community Engagement for the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Florida Prosperity Initiative, emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling this issue. “Growing up in the challenges of the foster care system, serving as a Deputy Sheriff and running a small business have all taught me that the Florida Prosperity Initiative’s approach is the right one and I’m looking forward to partnering with more and more business and community leaders as we continue to change lives,” said Cogar. “Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and by working hand-in-hand with business and community leaders we can remove barriers that hold families back and build a future where opportunity is within reach for all Floridians, regardless of their zip code.”
The initiative was developed following testimony from Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, before Congress in 2016 on strategies for breaking generational poverty. The program uses what it calls a Zip Code Model—a nationally recognized method focused on implementing neighborhood-level solutions targeting ten root causes of poverty.
David Vincent, Citrus County Sheriff, spoke about Cogar’s qualifications: “My wife and I have known Heather Cogar for approximately 15 years, and her life experiences are defined by resilience, perseverance and overcoming obstacles. As a person, she has been impacted by the foster care system and therapeutic treatment centers like those at Camp E-Nini-Hassee in Floral City, FL. I am confident that her unique set of personal and professional experiences have prepared her to be a fierce advocate for children, while helping them find a pathway to prosperity they otherwise wouldn’t have had.”
Mark Wilson highlighted both economic context and scale: “Right now, there are more than 714,000 Florida children living in poverty. In a state that has the 16th largest economy in the world and continues to create jobs higher than the national average, replacing poverty with prosperity is not only imperative, it’s the right thing to do and having Heather building support in every community of Florida will be a game changer for our Florida Prosperity Initiative and so many kids and communities.”
Support comes from various organizations including The Moore Agency. Karen Moore—Founder & CEO of The Moore Agency as well as Incoming Chair-Elect of the Foundation—explained how targeted outreach works: “With 983 zip codes and more than half of our 714,768 children living in poverty in just 15 percent (150) of Florida’s zip codes, the Florida Prosperity Initiative is connecting every community to leverage partnerships aimed at helping families move from a life of barriers and dependence to one of prosperity and self-sufficiency. The Moore Agency is a proud supporter of this work.”
The program receives guidance from an advisory board made up of business leaders who encourage cooperation among businesses, policymakers, non-profits, regional partners—and highlight collective impact goals.
At an event earlier this year—the May Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit—leaders discussed ways public-private partnerships could advance these goals:
Casey DeSantis stated: “We can do so much more if we are working together, we know the mission, and we are working for the individual.”
Tim Marks commented: “Remember the opening comments by Mark? He talked about Prosperity, he talked about GDP,and then he pausedand said however.In this room there are folksin public sector private sector faith community nonprofits.And allof us care aboutthe however.”
John Rivers added: “The fact that you are here,youare partoftheProsperity CommitteeandtheInitiativethattheyaredoingandsaysalotaboutyourheartandyourprioritiesareasacompanyandanindividual.So thank you.”
For further information on programs or how local groups can get involved with these efforts statewide visit www.flchamber.com/flprosperityinitiative.
The Foundation describes itself as non-partisan research organization focusing on long-term strategies intendedto improve global competitiveness,economic diversity,and qualityoflife throughoutFlorida.Its initiatives operate under strategic direction providedbyitsadvisoryboard.
