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County of Volusia
Children and Families Advisory Board
Planning Workshop
Monday, November 19, 2007 9:00 am
Volusia County Health Department
1845 Holsonback Drive
Daytona Beach, Florida

Attendees: Joe Sullivan – Boys and Girls Club
Gail Camputaro – Council on Aging
Gloria Max – Jewish Federation
Lyn Sinnottt – Easter Seals
Victoria Stark – Early Learning Coalition
Dixie Morgese – Healthy Start, Volusia and Flagler Counties
Barry Pollack – Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Central Florida
Richard Fay – Efficacy

Carrie Baird chaired the meeting and reviewed the agenda and process for the workshop. She and the CFAB members introduced themselves and briefly reviewed their professional backgrounds. Edward Jasper introduced himself and thanked everyone for participating.

Carrie Baird reviewed the purpose and goals of CFAB. She announced the board’s desire for a more specific, targeted approach to addressing social service needs in the community. Prior to presenting this to County Council, the decision was made to solicit input from the agency stakeholders regarding developing health and human service priorities, desired outcomes for Volusia County, input about potential improvements to the application and funding process, and priority needs and gaps in services.

In the current process, knowledge of appropriate geographic distribution of services is lacking, cost-effectiveness is difficult to determine, the potential for duplication of services exists and the need for greater revenue maximization is imperative.

She thanked everyone for completing the surveys that were distributed. This information was used to review the current process, the application, the application process, reporting and the allocation process.

Carrie Baird invited comments from the attendees on prioritizing needs:

Joe Sullivan discussed his organization’s model and the funding difficulties they face, given the current economy.

Gail Camputaro raised concerns that those organizations that also receive state and federal funds have their outcome measures and priorities set by powers higher than the local government. Her concern is that her organization, and others like them, may not fit well with the community agenda, as it is based on a national agenda.

Gloria Max stated that her organization serves all of Flagler and Volusia counties. She expressed concern that there may be duplication of services.

Victoria Stark thanked CFAB for the opportunity to provide input. Geographic distribution of services is of concern and she would request that weight be given to that issue. Match funding is also extremely important to many organizations and deserves weighty consideration in the application process. She would also suggest collaboration be given weight.

Lyn Sinnott discussed priority setting and the need to stress preventive needs rather than crises-oriented funding. Data-based decision making is important, but unfortunately data isn’t always available or accessible and populations may be left out of the mix. Geographic-based needs are important, but should be viewed with a focus on where the clients are served, rather than where the organization is based. Duplicative services may not be as prevalent as thought, although often administrative services are duplicative. She referred to Medicare/Medicaid funding, stating that $3-$5 million may come into the County in the near future.

David Kerr stressed that while this is a difficult time, funding opportunities for this County may be present through existing legislation via Children’s Services Council or Juvenile Welfare Boards. This could benefit the children of the county and may free up funding from other County sources for other areas.

Dr. Willie Kimmons asked all if they have a working, committed and diversified Board that can assist in seeking funding. He stated that all organizations must look to the composition of their Boards and their ability to assist in bringing in funds and network in the larger community. Lyn Sinnotttt agreed with Dr. Kimmons. She suggested that be part of the criteria on the application.

Dixie Morgese requested scoring incentive for organizational collaboration and the ability to share and maximize resources. She also suggested prioritizing continuum of care and eliminating fragmented care. Systemic fluency should be rewarded. Organizations should also be asked to demonstrate their ability to meet the required numbers to be served. She suggested that all organizations would be willing to assist the County in leveraging dollars for services.

Carrie Baird asked for suggestions from everyone to carry out strategic planning to demonstrate community service needs. Gail Camputaro suggested surveying all existing services, including private, public and nonprofits.

Victoria Stark asked whether there might be planning grants included in the next grant application process to study the continuum of care and systemic fluency of different areas. She suggested that the hospitals should be involved as well. Edward Jasper stated that a working committee could be formed right away without grant funding and that it was long overdue. Carrie Baird asked that anyone that might be interested in participating in this process, sign up with staff prior to leaving today.

Richard Fay suggested using the system United Way has in place -- First Call for Help. Each provider that is a part of it currently has the ability to log in to this database and add information about the services they provide.

Discussion centered on quantifying collaboration – suggestions included inter-agency agreements, sharing of resources, demonstrating commitment to this concept by forming coalitions, etc.

Discussion continued on various topics relating to the application/proposal process. Barry Pollack suggested an electronic application process.

Gail Camputaro expressed everyone’s thanks and appreciation to Peggy Johnson for her assistance during the process.

Alex Carmichel asked how much staff time was involved in application completion. Dixie Morgese suggested that an experienced manager could complete it in about 9 hours with administrative assistance. Some said that it takes them longer and many have several programs to submit. All agreed that it is a cumbersome process, particularly the budget section.

Dave Evans expressed concerns over finances. The county lessened funding given to CFAB last year and in all probability would reduce it again this year. He stressed the need for representatives of this group to be in touch with County Council and Manager continually – not just for individual agencies, but for all social services. Gail Camputaro volunteered to coordinate this initiative during the budget workshop. She stated that much more impact would be felt from a group effort.

Edward Jasper stressed that this County administration believes in supporting social services. However, the reality is that the land is not flowing with milk and honey. Administration must look at the needs for total county services – needs are increasing, revenues are decreasing. He reiterated that County administration supports what these organizations are doing.

David Kerr indicated his preference for an RFP process in future. He believes that this system may be the most clear cut way for providers to demonstrate to the County the services provided by their funding.

Dixie Morgese suggested discussion and establishment of a methodology for joint funding application by CFAB, the County and other social service agency(ies). Edward Jasper explained that it would take about 4-6 weeks to bring a grant in front of Council. He noted that it requires staff commitment as well. Carrie Baird is involved in a collaborative effort with the County to explore grant opportunities with Lois Multane of the School Board. They are starting with the funding agencies and will include providers as grants are identified.

Dr. Suzanne DeWees and Susan Caplan expressed their appreciation of attendance, participation and the willingness for collaboration.

Meeting adjourned 10:30 am

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