The Florida Chamber Foundation is expanding its Prosperity Initiative, which targets childhood poverty in Florida at the zip-code level. The initiative aims to create pathways to prosperity and self-sufficiency for children and families across the state.
Heather Cogar, Statewide Director of Community Engagement for the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Florida Prosperity Initiative, emphasized her commitment to the project: “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 began after Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, testified before Congress in 2016 on breaking generational poverty through targeted approaches. The program uses what it calls its Zip Code Model—a method recognized nationally—for implementing neighborhood solutions aimed at addressing ten root causes of poverty.
David Vincent, Citrus County Sheriff, spoke about Heather Cogar’s qualifications: “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.”
According to Mark Wilson: “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 initiative is supported by both its advisory board members as well as other organizations throughout Florida.
Karen Moore, Founder & CEO of The Moore Agency—and Incoming Chair-Elect of the Florida Chamber Foundation—added: “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—leaders from across sectors highlighted their support:
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 however.”
John Rivers owner 4 Rivers Smokehouse– “The fact that you are here you are part committee initiative doing says lot your heart priorities company individual So thank you”
The initiative seeks further collaboration among businesses and offers additional information online.
The program operates under strategic direction from its advisory board with goals including cutting childhood poverty rates by half through tackling root causes with local solutions tailored at each zip code.
