The Florida Chamber Foundation’s Prosperity Initiative is increasing its efforts to address generational childhood poverty in Florida through targeted, zip-code level programs. Heather Cogar, Statewide Director of Community Engagement for the initiative, highlighted her personal experience and commitment to the cause. “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 established after Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, testified before Congress in 2016 on strategies for breaking cycles of poverty. The Florida Prosperity Initiative uses a model focused on neighborhoods and addresses ten root causes of poverty at the zip code level.
David Vincent, Citrus County Sheriff, commented on Cogar’s role: “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.”
Currently, more than 714,000 children live in poverty across Florida. Mark Wilson noted both the scale of the challenge and opportunities available: “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.”
The program receives support from various organizations including its advisory board members. Karen Moore, Founder & CEO of The Moore Agency and Incoming Chair-Elect of the Foundation said: “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.”
At an event held earlier this year—the May Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit—community leaders spoke about collective efforts required to tackle childhood poverty:
Casey DeSantis, First Lady of Florida– “We can do so much more if we are working together, we know the mission, and we are working for the individual.”
Tim Marks, President & Chief Officer of Metropolitan Ministries– “Remember the opening comments by Mark? He talked about Prosperity, he talked about GDP, and then he paused and said, however. In this room there are folks in public sector private sector faith community nonprofits. And all of us care about the however.”
John Rivers owner of 4 Rivers Smokehouse– “The fact that you are here you are part of the Prosperity Committee and the Initiative that they are doing says a lot about your heart and your priorities are as a company and an individual So thank you.”
For additional information on these efforts or how to get involved visit www.flchamber.com/flprosperityinitiative.
The Foundation aims to reduce childhood poverty rates by addressing its root causes through collaborative work among businesses policymakers nonprofits and other stakeholders statewide.
