The Florida Chamber Foundation is intensifying its efforts to address generational childhood poverty through its Prosperity Initiative, which uses a zip-code-level approach to help families achieve self-sufficiency. Heather Cogar, Statewide Director of Community Engagement for the initiative, said, “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. 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 Prosperity Initiative began after Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, testified before Congress in 2016 about targeted strategies for breaking cycles of poverty. The initiative leverages free enterprise solutions at the neighborhood level through its Zip Code Model, which focuses on addressing ten root causes of poverty.
David Vincent, Citrus County Sheriff, commented on Cogar’s appointment: “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.”
Florida faces significant challenges with over 714,000 children living in poverty. Despite having one of the world’s largest economies and job growth above national averages (https://www.flchamber.com/flprosperityinitiative), advocates say addressing this issue is critical. Mark Wilson stated: “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.”
Support for these efforts comes from various groups including businesses such as The Moore Agency. Karen Moore, Founder & CEO of The Moore Agency and Incoming Chair-Elect of the Florida Chamber 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 recent events such as May’s Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit (https://www.flchamber.com/flprosperityinitiative), state leaders emphasized collaboration across sectors:
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 and 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 us care about however”
John Rivers owner 4 Rivers Smokehouse– “The fact that you are here you are part Prosperity Committee Initiative they doing says lot about your heart priorities company individual So thank you”
The initiative operates under guidance from an advisory board comprised of business leaders who coordinate with policymakers non-profits local organizations Its strategy includes identifying key neighborhoods where interventions can make greatest impact since most children experiencing poverty live within limited number zip codes
For further information on how communities or businesses can get involved visit www.flchamber.com/flprosperityinitiative.
