Collaborating For The Kids

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David, Noah and Chase practice their writing skills during the Pre-K Extended Year Program at Rosewood Magnet School. The program was sponsored by the Education Foundation of Indian River County and funded through a $35,000 grant from the John’s Island Community Service League.

From a national perspective, Indian River County has an interesting group of kids. While we are one of the 100 wealthiest counties in the United States, the children born here are notable in that their demographic makeup – economic, racial and cultural – is surprisingly similar to the national average. 

What is not average about our county, however, is the number of citizens and nonprofit organizations reaching out to help these youngsters at every turn. And what is even better is that the nonprofits are becoming increasingly savvy in the way they deliver their services.

Over the last several years, there have been multiple efforts on the part of providers and the community to step back from their day-to-day work, take a wider view and make sure everyone’s efforts are being coordinated as well as possible.

 A great example of taking the long view can be seen in the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition. Known throughout the community for their Dancing with Vero’s Stars and the Beachside Half Marathon fundraisers, Healthy Start, in collaboration with many other programs, begins caring for our kids before they are
even born.

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