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Message Building Pathways For Upward Mobility

We had an exciting 2024 Securing Our Future Initiative (SOFI) Economic MobilitySummit on December 9th.During this summit, we explored ways to collectively enhance upward mobilityopportunities for families living in poverty. Participants learned about a comprehensive,integrated system of social supports designed to empower families as they advancedeconomically. We discussed the development of a community-driven, data-informedeffort that enables system leaders to collaborate in strengthening our local ecosystem,increasing financial stability for families, and dismantling public policies thatperpetuate racial, geographical, and other forms of inequity within our workforce,healthcare, education, and criminal justice systems.We are dedicated to challenging mental models and shifting embedded socialnarratives that shaped policies, institutional practices, and resource flows. We are alsocommitted to finding sustainable solutions with those most affected, keeping familiesat the center of our work, and strengthening the relationships between serviceproviders and the families we served.Thank you for partnering with us for this Summit. Together, we can continue to shapesolutions that will encourage the workforce of the future and ensure that every childand family has the opportunity to live in a community where the promise of economicsuccess becomes a reality.A Letter from our ChairsElisa Cramer Director, Palm Beach County Youth Services Department Birth to 22 Alliance Steering Committee Co-ChairBarbara Cox Gerlock, PhDPalm Beach County ChairCitizens Advisory CommitteeDr. Lisa Williams-Taylor CEO, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach CountyBirth to 22 Alliance Steering Committee Co-Chair1

Raised to supportSecuring Our FuturefamiliesSOFI Summit Insights2 Increased awareness about current initiativesdesigned to advance upward economic mobilityopportunities for low income families in PBCPercentage of participants thatwere satisfied or very satisfiedwith the overall summitNearly 100 people registeredfor the Citizens AdvisoryCommittee retreatOver 420 people were inattendanceScan for ABC WPTVChannel 5 News Story

Building Pathways For Upward Mobility3During this session, participants discussed how leveraging the Urban Institute’s UpwardMobility framework could drive economic mobility across Palm Beach County. Attendeesexplored tools from Opportunity Insights, the National Association of Counties, andResults for America, examining strategies for effectively utilizing these resources topromote upward economic mobility. The session highlighted how tracking communityconditions and reviewing key predictors and indicators can empower local networks toachieve economic growth. It provided a comprehensive overview of how all systems worktogether to create an opportunity ecosystem. Following this, the workshop sessionsdelved deeper into each system or domain, discussing how government, foundations,nonprofits, and the business community are collaborating to build a stronger, moreprosperous community.Director of Policy ManagementUrban InstituteKeith FudgeProgram Director, Resilient Economiesand Communities, National Association of CountiesJennifer Kuiper PresidentBank of America Palm Beach CountyFabiola “Fab” BrumleyStronger Together: Empowering Local Community Networks to Advance Economic MobilityScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward Mobility5ManagerPalm Beach County Criminal Justice Systems In this session, we explored the various barriers and existing policies that hinderindividuals from successfully gaining employment upon re-entering society. Participantsengaged in discussions and discovered best practices aimed at reducing fines and fees,advancing economic mobility for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, andfostering supportive employer practices. Topics included policy recommendations thatpromote fair hiring practices and enhance economic prospects for citizens re-entering thecommunity.Assistant State AttorneyPalm Beach County State Attorney’s Office -15th Judicial Circuit Freddie MenardPublic Defender - ElectPublic Defender’s Office - Palm Beach CountyDaniel Eisinger Jesssica HidalgoSenior Advisor, Community Justice Team WorldCenter for Justice Innovation Brett TaylorExecutive DirectorPalm Beach County Criminal Justice CommissionAngelique J. Pickett Life After Incarceration: Navigating the Challenges of Re-Entry to Promote Economic MobilityScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward Mobility7Deputy Director Palm Beach County Community Services DepartmentWe uncovered the transformative potential of the food system in driving economicmobility. From strengthening food infrastructure to fostering culinary entrepreneurship,we explored strategies to combat food insecurity and enhance economic prospects.Insights into ongoing community projects and expert-endorsed best practices wereshared, along with initiatives that boost earning potential. Local endeavors empoweringindividuals through vocational culinary training and promoting economic equity in the foodsector were also highlighted.Chief Executive OfficerPalm Beach County Food BankJamie KendallConsultant United Way Palm Beach CountyJulie KreafleTaruna MalhotraSenior Regional Organizer for the SoutheastBread for the WorldFlorence French FaganCultivating Prosperity: Harnessing the Power of Food Systems for Economic MobilityScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward Mobility9President & CEOCareer Source Palm Beach County, Inc.In this session, we explored a myriad of innovative approaches aimed at fosteringemployment and economic empowerment within our community. We spotlightedinitiatives such as Circles and Prosperity Centers, programs dedicated to assisting thoseliving in poverty by offering comprehensive wrap-around services, including employmentskills training and social capital development to facilitate their transition out of poverty.Concepts like universal income, pre-employment training, work readiness training, andfinancial literacy were also discussed. This session provided an opportunity to explorethese initiatives and their role in promoting economic mobility and empowerment withinour community.Chief Executive OfficerPathways to ProsperityKemberly Bush Chief Executive OfficerCommunity Partners of South Florida Kelly PowellJulia DattoloSenior Vice PresidentPractice Transformation National Community Action PartnershipTiffney MarleyEmpowerment Pathways: Paving the Way to Economic IndependenceScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward MobilityChief Executive Officer Health Council of Southeast Florida President & Chief Executive OfficerHealth Care District of Palm Beach County Health DirectorFlorida Department of Health Palm Beach County Professor and Assistant Dean of ResearchFlorida State University 11This session focused on the critical intersection of health and economic stability,emphasizing how improving economic mobility can lead to better health outcomes forindividuals and families, particularly those facing significant barriers. Participants exploredinnovative pilot initiatives and proven best practices aimed at supporting the physical andbehavioral health needs of families living in poverty and individuals transitioning back tothe community from treatment centers and jails. Valuable insights were shared,experiences were exchanged, and collaboration took place among participants committedto advancing health equity through economic mobility.Darcy DavisDr. Jyothi GuntaAndrea Stephenson Dr. Eugenia MillenderHealth is Wealth: Advancing Health Equity Through Economic MobilityScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward Mobility13We hosted a compelling plenary session addressing the interconnected issues of poverty,race, and place and their impact on upward economic mobility. Participants explored theracial wealth gap, policies that perpetuate poverty, and innovative investment strategiesto revitalize neighborhoods. Promising initiatives such as the Purpose Built Communitymodel, which fosters public-private partnerships for community revitalization, werehighlighted. Misconceptions about racial economic progress were addressed, andinterventions were examined to provide clearer insights into economic disparities. Thissession reimagined the power of place to foster economic opportunity and growth, pavingthe way for a brighter, more equitable future.Associate Director of Office of Race& Equity Research Urban InstituteDr. LesLeigh FordChief Executive OfficerNorthend RISE Upendo ShabazzExecutive DirectorPalm Beach Venture PhilanthropyRaphael ClementePoverty, Place and Race: Exploring the Legacy of Persistent Poverty in PBCScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward Mobility15Chief Program and Policy OfficerEarly Learning CoalitionWe delved into the critical topic of childcare and its profound impact on early childhooddevelopment and intergenerational income mobility. Participants explored innovativeapproaches such as employer-sponsored childcare and the pivotal role it plays insupporting working families. The discussion highlighted the significance of early childcarein shaping future opportunities for children and families. Local organizations werespotlighted for their tireless efforts to provide quality childcare services to our community.Additionally, policies and programs aimed at enhancing access to affordable childcare forfamilies in need were discussed. This session provided an opportunity to learn, engage,and advocate for solutions that empower children and families for a brighter future.Executive Director Lutheran Services Florida HeadStart - Palm Beach CountyLaura ConwayChief Executive OfficerChildren's Services Council of Palm Beach County Dr. Lisa Williams-TaylorAruna GilbertDirector of Early Learning and LiteracyFlorida Chamber Foundation Makayla Buchanan Nurturing Success: Exploring Childcare Solutions to Advance Economic MobilityScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward Mobility17President & CEO211 Palm Beach/Treasure CoastWe hosted an insightful discussion on transportation and its pivotal role in fosteringeconomic mobility within our communities. Participants explored the current state oftransportation infrastructure, including potential enhancements such as new bus stopsand other changes aimed at improving accessibility. Innovative initiatives that fostercollaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance transportation serviceswere highlighted. Best practices from across the nation were shared, addressingtransportation challenges and promoting equitable access for all. This session provided anopportunity to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive transportation system for ourcommunities.Executive Director Palm Beach TransportationPlanning AgencyValerie Nielsen Executive DirectorSouth Florida Regional Transportation AuthorityDavid DechSharon L’HerrouExecutive DirectorPalm TranIvan Maldonado Navigating the Road Ahead: Advancing Transportation for Economic Mobility Scan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward Mobility19President & CEOEconomic Council of Palm Beach CountyWe hosted an enlightening session on empowering tomorrow's workforce, today.Participants explored education's role in addressing the skills gap and preparingindividuals for the evolving workforce demands. Strategies were discussed foridentifying and focusing on the essential skills needed by potential employers andcollaborating with the educational system to integrate them into tailored curricula.The session also delved into the realm of AI and Cybersecurity, highlighting thecertifications required to increase employment opportunities in these growingfields. Best practices were shared from national partners and communities activelyworking to bridge the gap between education and employment, offering invaluableinsights into effective strategies for success. This session provided an opportunityto contribute to shaping the future of education and employment in the digital age.PresidentPalm Beach State CollegeDr. Ava Parker SuperintendentSchool District of Palm Beach CountyMichael J. BurkeMichele JacobsDirector of Professional Learning & LeadershipAll4Ed Dr. Adam Phyall IIIBridging the Gap: Enhancing Education for Employment in the Digital AgeScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward MobilityDirectorPalm Beach County Housing & Economic DevelopmentChief Executive OfficerFlorida Housing Coalition21We held a vital discussion on housing as an essential need and the collective effortsunderway to increase housing accessibility and affordability in Palm Beach County.Participants explored strategies to leverage housing initiatives to advance economicindependence and stabilize communities. Topics included the effective utilization ofthe Housing Dashboard, homeless prevention strategies focusing on evictionprevention, and other initiatives aimed at increasing access to affordable housing.Insights were shared on collaborative efforts with Housing Authorities, emphasizinggovernance and boosting economic mobility through self-sufficiency models to endhomelessness for families across our community. The discussion also highlighted theimportance of sealing eviction records for housing stability and economic prosperity.This event provided an opportunity to address housing challenges and work towardbuilding a better future for our communities.President & CEOHousing Leadership Council ofPalm Beach County, Inc.Suzanne CabreraDirectorPalm Beach County Human Services and Community ActionWendy TippettJonathan BrownAshon NesbittCreating Homes, Creating Futures: A Collective Effort to Increase Economic Mobility via Access to Affordable HousingScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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Building Pathways For Upward MobilityDeputy DirectorPalm Beach County Community ServicesDepartment 23We closed our Summit with the crucial topic and discussion of building ArtificialIntelligence (AI) in Health and Human Services to advance economic mobility. Participantsexplored how AI and other existing technologies could be leveraged to address currentchallenges and unlock future opportunities in the health and human services sector.During this final session, we discussed innovative strategies and potential applications ofAI to enhance service delivery, improve client outcomes, and streamline administrativeprocesses. This session provided an opportunity to be at the forefront of revolutionizingthe health and human services sector through the integration of AI.Specialist Leader - Strategy &Analytics, Deloitte Consulting Deloitte ConsultingRonnie ThomasChief Information Officer Palm Beach CountyArchie SatchellTaruna MalhotraBuilding Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health and Human Services: Addressing CurrentChallenges and Exploring Future OpportunitiesScan for ExpandedSpeaker Biographies

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About the Securing Our Future InitiativeThe Securing Our Future Initiative (SOFI) was developed through the Birth to 22Alliance as a strategy to facilitate the financial upward mobility of our families toensure our youth have the resources they need to thrive in our community. PalmBeach County Community Services Department answered the call to lead thiscollective-impact, poverty-reduction initiative. As a well-respected Health andHuman Services funder in Palm Beach County, the Community ServicesDepartment acknowledged they had the opportunity to engage local nonprofitorganizations in the work of SOFI so they designed outcomes for SOFI and releaseda Request for Proposals to appoint community organizations that could conductactivities yielding the poverty-reducing outcomes identified. Following theRequest for Proposals, a number of organizations were selected to participate inthe Securing Our Future Initiative. As you will see on the next page, the Securing Our Future Initiative has madestrides in reducing childhood poverty in Palm Beach County. We haveaccomplished much and acknowledge there is still much more work to do. We areproud to collaborate with our local community to achieve a 10% reduction ofchildhood poverty over the next 10 years. About26Direct Service Providers:Support Service Providers:

33 4 0 433 4 0 733 4 0 133 4 3 033 4 6 001201008060402010 973693733Black, African American, or AfricanMulti-RacialWhiteData not collectedHispanic/Latina/e/o050100150200199Age 6-1738.8%Age 26+28.8%Age 0-522.4%Age 18-259.9%FemaleMaleData Not CollectedNon BinaryMultiple Genders100%61%6.4%0.3%0.5%Marking ProgressInsights from the Securing Our Future InitiativeTotal Number ofFamilies ServedFY23NumberofClientsby RaceFY23 SOFIClients: AgeFY23Clientsby GenderFY23SOFIClientsper ZipCodesFY23 Average SSM ScoreSSM CategoriesMatrix Scores27Household Income Increase in FY23(Households served 2021-2023)

Join the Initiative!Support SOFI FamiliesBecome an AllyParticipate in the CAC Retreat

Opportunity Ecosystem29Scan to see the Health andHuman Services ElementPalm Beach State College

8Florida ALICE ReportHealth & Human Services ElementHousing Plan for AllLeading the Way HomeHousing DashboardDept. of Housing & Economic Development PlanCommunity Health Improvement PlanBehavioral Health & SUD Master PlanHunger Relief PlanYouth Master PlanTransportation PlanVarious Reports & Plans30

SponsorshipsOpening Reception Sponsor$10,000Community Impact Sponsor$15,000 Thank you to our sponsors! Thank you to our sponsors!31

SponsorshipsAlly Sponsor$5,000Family Sponsor$5,000Engagement Sponsor$5,00032

Supporting Sponsors$500SponsorshipsWorkforce Sponsor$2,00033

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2024 Securing Our Future EconomicMobility SummitThe objective of the summit was to bring systems leaderstogether to support unemployed or underemployedfamilies. The workshops and plenary sessions providedvaluable information about ways in which health andhuman services systems can collaborate to help familiesearn more and move out of poverty. To enhancenetworking and learning opportunities, local workshoppresenters were matched with national speakers withsimilar expertise.Attendees played a crucial role in finding sustainablesolutions for families experiencing poverty, keeping familiesat the center of the work, and strengthening relationshipswith them. Participation in this event demonstrated acommitment to eliminating inequities that keep families inpoverty.Committee MembersDr. James Green Director, Palm Beach CountyCommunity Services DepartmentJonathan Brown Director, Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic DevelopmentElisa CramerDirector, Palm Beach CountyYouth Services DepartmentAngelique PickettDirector, Palm Beach CountyCriminal Justice Commission Jaime-Lee Bradshaw Chief Strategy OfficerCommunity Partners of South FloridaKeith OswaldChief of Equity and WellnessSchool District of Palm Beach CountyIsis WilliamsCircuit Community DevelopmentAdministrator, Florida Department ofChildren and FamiliesWilneeda Emmanuel Chief of StaffCommissioner Mack BernardDr. Joanna Reid-EnoiseManager, Planning & EvaluationPalm Beach CountyCommunity Services DepartmentElizabeth HarfmannManager, Public Information &Community EngagementPalm Beach CountyCommunity Services DepartmentSonja HolbrookStrategic PlannerPalm Beach CountyCommunity Services Department38Angela CruzProgram EvaluatorPalm Beach CountyCommunity Services DepartmentMichele JacobsPresident and CEOEconomic Council of Palm Beach CountyJulie DoweDirector of Finance and Support ServicesPalm Beach CountyCommunity Services DepartmentNatalie VazquezSenior Program ManagerPalm Beach CountyCommunity Services Department

Palm Beach County Board of County CommissionersMaria G. Marino, Gregg K. Weiss, Joel G. Flores,Marci Woodward, Maria Sachs, Sara Baxter, Bobby Powell Jr.County Administrator Verdenia C. Bakerwww.pbcgov.com/communityservices