History
The Glades Initiative was formed in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Board of County Commissioners for Palm Beach County through the Department of Community Services. The RFP outlined the need for a local source to identify and coordinate the health and human service needs of the community as well as develop and encourage collaborative relationships to collectively address the community's needs. Improvements are being sought in terms of outcomes (positive impact on the residents in the community) and efficiency (better outcomes achieved with the various funding streams available within the community). We believe that 'our people are our fortune' and are committed to effective change.
With health, human, and social services, there is an apparent organizational shif from the traditional system to a more holistic system of care. While each component of our system is vitally important, it is only through collaboration and coordination of these components that we will be successfully affect systemic changes. The Glades Initiative attempts to establish itself as an organization rich in community resources with much potential within the scoope and purpose of the Initiative. Through the efforts of the Glades Initiative, member organizations should be able to accomplish more as well as accomplish those objectives more effectively, thereby building capacity within existing resources.
Development of Model
The Glades Initiative's model has evolved because:
- There is a system that includes a broad array of service components; however those components are not always working together synergistically. The impact is two-pronged: not only are the residents not able to take advantage of a 'well-oiled' machine, but the agencies cannot either.
- Within the 'system', there exists a fair amount of confusion about which services are available, where those services are, and how to access those services.
- There is not an infinite amount of resources. Agencies are being called upon to 'do more with less'.
- Agencies are being held to a greater standard of accountability.
- There is a need to consolidate some things for the sake of effciency.
Mission Statement
The mission of The Glades Initiative is to help improve the human condition of individuals in the communities in Palm Beach County, west of 20-Mile Bend (intersection of S.R. 80 and C.R. 880).
Operating Objectives
As a membership oorganization, The Glades Initiative will accomplish its mission through:
- Identifying critical issues and needs affecting the human conditions of residents of the Glades communities
- Developing community collaborative relationships
- Strengthening the operational and goverannce infrastructure of member organizations
- Implementing effective responses to the identified needs
- Advocating on behalf of the community
Membership
Membership in The Glades Initiative remains open to those individuals and organizations that meet certain criteria:
- 501 (c) 3 corporation with a Glades address; or
- Health and human service organizations that provide services west of 20-Mile Bend; or
- Local educational institutions or churches; or
- Entities or individuals recognized by Glades Initiative Management Board (GIMB) as having a vested interest in the health and human services in the Glades area.
If you would like additional information on any of our initiatives or about membership, please contact us.
|
