2009 Annual Report Contents In the beginning. 2 State Board of Directors . 3 Message from the President . 4 Message from the Chair . 4 Management Team. 5 Pieces of hope Megan and Kayla. 6 Randy . 6 Ruth. 7 Annette. 7 Divisions of CHS. 8 Executive Directors . 9 Putting the pieces together . 10 Financial year in review 2008-2009 . 12 Securing our future Message from the President CHS Foundation . 14 Message from the Chair CHS Foundation . 14 CHS Foundation Board of Directors . 15 Your dollars make a difference. 16 Supporters 2008-2009 . 17 1 In the beginning It was 1902.The city of Jacksonville, recently thousands of children and families.To ensure Building upon past success and working ravaged by fires, was desperately trying to more children are safe, healthy and prepared toward ambitious goals for the future, CHS rebuild. No longer a haven for the wealthy, for life. relies on the dedication of nearly 2,000 it now reflected tragedies of the natural professionals and thousands of committed disaster. During a time that tested hearts, Over the past century, CHS has evolved volunteers, passionate advocates and generous courage and compassion, the Orphan Trains to provide safety and shelter to children contributors to continue making the difference began rolling into town, dropping off victimized by abuse or neglect … to provide for Florida’s children and families. hundreds of abandoned children. Children in-home parenting education to expectant whose eyes offered a glimpse into their fear and first-time mothers … to provide As we look ahead, we place confidence in of the unknown yet remained sprinkled with reunification services for parents and children the CHS Foundation to secure our future a twinge of hope … hope that they might torn apart by traumatic circumstances … by endowing assets so CHS may provide join a family. to provide family-strengthening programs for critical services to children and families for parents to create stable, loving homes … to years down the road. Offering faithful Their hope captured the compassion and provide one-on-one mentoring for children supporters more avenues to affect change determination of Jacksonville’s leaders, who struggling with the absence of a parent … for children, the CHS Foundation engages banded together to find families for the to provide housing, hope and guidance to contributors in planned giving to leave orphans and to care for those still waiting. foster teens approaching adulthood … to legacies that transform futures. On November 17, 1902, these concerned break the tragic cycle of abuse for more citizens, under the direction of Reverend and more children. Our rich history and future aspirations D.W. Comstock, founded Children's Home gently blend together to create an Society of Florida (CHS), still the state’s organization focused on offering leading child- and family-serving organization. Florida’s children opportunities to thrive in loving families, in safe Though we remain true to our roots of environments, in strong communities. bringing together families through adoption, To offer children hope.Together, CHS continually adapts to changing societal we are so much more than needs, expanding and enhancing services the sum of our parts. to offer opportunities to hundreds of 2 State Board of Directors Robert Moser Victoria Weber Richard B.“Dick” Adams, Jr. Samuel P.Bell, III Clarice Brantley, Ph.D. Chair Vice Chair Forever to be remembered for her love of children Jackie Chang, Ph.D. Charles L. Cromer Samia Ferraro Jeff Gordon Michele Greene Kent Guinn Frank Gulisano John P.Johnson, Ph.D. Dan Lautenbach Dale Mason Farooq Mitha Sherry Plymale William D. Preston Cindy Pullen Marty Rubin Valerie Seidel Miguel Viyella John F.“Jay” Windham 3 Message from the President Message from the Chair For more than a century, CHS has upheld our legacy of transforming Few voices are as powerful as those speaking on behalf of children. the lives of children and families. And while we remain diligent about A longtime volunteer with CHS, I’m honored to advocate for providing high-quality services, we also embrace opportunities that Florida’s children and families who desperately need the programs can potentially change the way society offered by this life-changing organization. cares for children and youth. Opportunities that can prevent child When we join together to speak on behalf of Florida’s youth in abuse. Opportunities that can provide need, our efforts do not go unnoticed. During the state’s 2009 foster youth with real futures. legislative session, children’s services Opportunities that can drastically were spared significant budget cuts … improve lives, families and communities. but, still victim to economic turmoil, these services remain underfunded But such opportunities don’t exist in when they’re needed most. a vacuum.Thus, we strategically partner with leading universities, foundations and similar agencies to Without the dedication of concerned capitalize on the potential of our endeavors. individuals, we may not have left our mark in the Capitol or our communities Through our partnership with the University of South Florida, … and the consequences could have academics research and evaluate our Trauma Recovery Initiative, a been devastating to Florida’s children and families. But you stepped pilot program in the Panhandle that provides specialized counseling up.Together, we made a difference. and services to youth who’ve suffered multiple traumas. Funded by a significant grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health And we have so much more to do. Services Administration, this initiative allows CHS to be one of Florida’s two David A. Bundy received Over time, Florida has made significant strides in improving outcomes projects in the National Child Traumatic the Chairman’s Award, for children. In addition to leading the nation in adoptions of children Stress Network. the highest honor from foster care, Florida has experienced a decline in the number awarded by the Florida of children re-entering the dependency system, increasing the focus We’re also exploring several partnerships Coalition for Children. on child abuse prevention and family strengthening. Part of this to implement a community school success is attributed to funding opportunities afforded through program in Florida, an initiative already quite successful in New York. Title IV-E, which allows our state to use federal funds to serve Through our relationship with New York’s Children’s Aid Society, children before they’re removed from their homes, to reach their I’ve witnessed the dramatic impact of these programs.Though families before abuse occurs. planted in a rough section of the city, the community school is respected as a “safe zone,” a place where youth feel protected Though the results speak for themselves, Florida is granted this and encouraged, a place that motivates them to break free of the funding flexibility for only two more years. In 2011, when Title IV-E negative influences that often surround them. is slated to expire, we risk jeopardizing Florida’s tremendous progress.We don’t want to see this happen.Thus, we’re taking our This project works because organizations and academic institutions advocacy efforts beyond Tallahassee to Washington.We’re working collaborate to provide youth and their families with the myriad of to influence our nation’s leaders to change the way children’s services they need in one setting. It works because services reach services are funded – not just in Florida but also across the country. the entire family while instilling within youth a drive to succeed, to step above circumstances that may have once trapped them in We must take a stand for children. Advocacy is a vital piece of the cycles difficult to break. intricate puzzle that protects our youth, and our commitment is instrumental to help secure safe, happy futures for children. On Maintaining our leadership position requires more than keeping up behalf of the CHS Board of Directors, I extend my heartfelt thanks with the status quo, more than changing with the times. It requires for your desire to make a difference for Florida’s children and families. innovative thinking, long-term goals and a commitment to provide children and families with the services and care they need. I’m honored to share this responsibility with you, and I thank you for your dedication to Florida’s future. Robert M. Moser Chairman of the Board David A. Bundy In recognition of our annual Innovation Symposium, CHS received President/CEO the Judges Award in the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission’s William C. Schwartz Innovation Awards. 4 Management team David A. Bundy James E. Patrick Robert J.Wydra President/Chief Chief Operating Chief Financial Executive Officer Officer Officer Shelley Katz Andry Sweet Joan Hughes Vice President Vice President Vice President of of Operations of Operations Administration Liz Bruner Frank Gonzalez Summer Pfeiffer Vice President of General Counsel Corporate Director Development and of Governmental Communication Relations 5 And when Megan practical parental education, realistic scenarios found out she was of child rearing and donated necessities to pregnant, she didn’t help struggling parents ensure their children know where to turn, have safe cribs, clothing and nutritious meals. where to find positive direction … until Moreover, Megan’s daughter, Kayla, has she heard about enjoyed trips to the local zoo, opened CHS’ programs to birthday presents and sported new clothes help new and on her first day of kindergarten. None of expectant mothers which, Megan says, could have happened learn how to care without CHS. for their children, But it’s the wealth of information CHS offers how to monitor that Megan values most.“Books don’t even progress and help skim the surface – you never know what to their children reach expect,” she says.“I’ve learned everything developmental and from this program.” social milestones, Megan still remembers the incessant how to pursue personal goals to benefit Megan admits that motherhood is tough – screaming.The fighting.The familiar scent their family.