Description
On March 9th, 2011, CBS's "60 Minutes" news show aired a segment right from the heart of our communtity. As the national spotlight was shone upon us, it highlighted the increasing number of hungry and homeless families within our community and the terrible effects that this has on our children's social, emotional and academic growth. Many in our community were shocked that there was such a need in our neighborhoods, subdivisions, and schools and have felt a responsibility to do something about it. It has pulled at the collective heart of our community that, even tonight; there are children in our community who will go to bed with empty stomachs because their families, often through no fault of their own, are unable to provide for them. It is sad and tragic story.
But fortunately, we live in a community that cares and is not prepared to tolerate such need among us. Since that defining day on March 9th, around 30 organizations have partnered together to form the Casselberry Community Task Force (CCTF). This group is made up of action orientated businesses, civic groups, non-profits, churches and individuals who are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty that exists within our community.
Together with the local schools we have developed a school centric model of care that provides for the immediate, short term needs of families in our community as well as providing long term care that is helping families move through difficult times into heathly,self-sustainability. The CCTF is a wonderful and unique partnership that is not only meeting needs in our community, but also developing a model of care that is startng to be replicated in other communities as well.
