Current Initiatives
Sarasota County Community Plan for Children and Youth
In partnership with Sarasota County Government and the Positive Youth Development Council, SCOPE is helping to develop a county-wide Plan for Children and Youth. The plan will provide the framework for a comprehensive approach to support all young people growing to healthy adulthood.
Throughout the nation and in Florida, communities realize the value of such planning as essential to a healthy future. Models and best practices are being employed in other areas that can guide work in Sarasota, while still allowing customization for local conditions. Sarasota County has a long history of nurturing area youth though high quality schools, libraries, sports, and non-profit led programs. Yet economic realities have forced our families and communities to make difficult choices, often preventing youth who need help the most from getting the support they need. With everything we do to support our children and youth, barriers and challenges prevent best efforts from reaching all youth. Our community plan will tell the community that:
- Leaders have come together around a common cause: children and youth
- The plan is based on the best thinking and evidence available
- Stakeholders will break out of silos to work across systems and sectors
- The outcomes achieved will depend on the supports provided
- Participants and organizations will have tasks and timelines for accountability
Boundary Crosser Celebration
Every year, SCOPE recognizes a community member that has dedicated their life to making the community better. Last year, we honored Carolyn Johnson, a civic leader, educator, businesswoman, fundraiser, philanthropist, and a 65 year resident of Sarasota. Click here to learn about our past Boundary Crossers!
Health and Human Services Indicator Project
SCOPE is working with the Human Services Department of Sarasota County to identify a list of outcomes for the Human Services Department, as well as the translation of those goals into measurable terms. For example, one of the goals might be that all children have access to food, and the measurable translation would be the child food insecurity rate. Our approach to collecting this information is called results based accountability. Click here to view the Human Services Scorecard.