The Fountain of Change

A Policy of Partnerships and Best Practices

Jan 25, 2007

Commitment to the family, the preservation of our children, and the introduction of positive development practices... all of these are noble and commendable values and objectives for our community. Commendable, but certainly not new. The dedicated neighborhood programs that bring healthy recreational endeavors and computer labs, made possible by generous grants and donations... these are the answers to the prayers of many, but certainly not new. In truth, we would not be looking for something new, IF the current problems facing our children and their families did not persist and threaten to endure in spite of the existence of seemingly working antidotes.
Maybe that is at the heart of the issue?? We have antidotes when what we really need are vaccines. Maybe what we have are doctors when in fact we need a medical network? Maybe we have players... when what we really need is a team?

The Fountain of Change (TFoC) fully recognizes the existence of club facilities and programs with healthy tools and sponsorship for children. These programs include after school activities, sports related endeavors, computer labs and a wide variety of initiatives. Before we congratulate ourselves for our good efforts, however, do we dare to ask... what would make this better? What if we were to uncover a program sanctioned by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) that was having absolutely remarkable results in Tennessee? Similarly, what if we found another invention - fully funded by the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) in North Carolina that was "quietly" recreating new potential and prospects for families on a daily basis? What if, what's more... we found these programs to be totally compatible and portable for implementation within North Jacksonville, Florida? The answer is that today, the reality of such a rich integration of programs is unlikely for many reasons. The research required takes time... and money... and a charter that goes beyond that of the current players. Boys and Girls Club B&GC) for example already has a portfolio of programs. In Northeast Florida, these are well known and productive. Smart Moves, Project Learn, Power-UP, Job Ready, the Keystone Club, etc., all address core program areas... why confuse the issue?

The answer is simple?… ?“Because we can make it better.?” Not by competing with B&GC in any way... but by supplementing and complementing them with other tried and proven programs from around the country. The TFoC wishes to research, identify, procure and implement Best Practices and Curriculum Programs in providing social, educational and financial skills, in concert with affiliate partners committed to children and families today. The TFoC will offer curriculum, trainers, teachers, counselors, mentors, administration, project management, libraries, software, and solutions from both the public and the private sector... to further enrich existing programs as needed. Partnerships with churches, schools and affiliate organizations will measure effectiveness and change, while staying fully accountable to the community.

To succeed, the TFoC proposes a model of cooperation and partnership... a tapestry of solutions NOW.