These days, I find myself searching for what, in fact, is certain...what focuses my mind on positivity and grounds my thoughts in good when the world feels out of control?
The answer: This work. When I think about the 18 human service organizations serving and striving to heal and help people every single day on our campus, I breathe a little easier. I remember that for the most part, humans actually do want to help other humans and we are fortunate to see that every day on the Campus of Caring.
Behind all the chaos and distractions, know that there is a strong, active network of nonprofit staff in our community equally as committed to client care and wellness outcomes as the physicians and nurses working in our hospitals.
As we all gear up for another uncertain season, remember grace, kindness, and humanity go a long way. We're all in this together. That, I am certain of.
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Dr. Kameron P. Hodgens
Executive Director & CEO
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Mission: To CONNECT, SUPPORT, and SUSTAIN a network of human service nonprofits for a stronger community. |
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Agency Spotlight: CenterPlace Health Partners for Shots In Arms |
Funding was provided through the COVID-19 Response Initiative of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
"We are so grateful for this collaboration, as it shows the impact that can be made when our community comes together," said Melissa Parker, CEO of CenterPlace Health.
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GS Connects: A Workshop on Conflict Resolution |
Managing the conflicts of clients is a challenge at all levels of human services. While the services we deliver may span needs like food, information or housing assistance, it can be an unofficial necessity to also navigate the complex family and community dynamics of our clients.
In August, Judith Starr, J.D., led a discussion about how agencies can manage conflict resolution, and offered information on a brand-new community resource, Suncoast Community Mediation, which will provide mediation services for when conflicts are beyond our ability to manage.
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Stickers, Students, and Stories for Early Learning Coalition |
On Saturday, August 28, 40 Ringling College students spent their morning "stickering" 7,200 children's books with labels in preparation for the Early Learning Coalition's upcoming Storybook Street event, a literacy-meets-the-arts, drive-thru book giveaway. To enhance everyone's protection, they opted to host the event outdoors in the Serenity Garden, just outside the ELC office on the Campus of Caring.
This two hour gathering was part of Ringling's Orientation Day of Service for incoming freshmen and transfer students.
Click here to learn more about the upcoming Storybook Street event.
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Community Alliance will hold its annual Legislative Summit |
The purpose of the summit is:
- To bring together community stakeholders to discuss submitted issues related to the nine identified systems involving health and human services and education
- Select the top two priorities for each system and report back to the full group
- To hear a keynote speaker who will discuss the political "lay of the land" for the upcoming legislative session.
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View from the Front Desk: Sitting Around |
As the weather promises to get cooler, our minds have been on outdoor seating. When the campus opened over 30 years ago, there were a number of stone benches placed around the campus for staff and clients to use. It was time for an update!
"I hadn't realized how much we rely on our outdoor seating until it was gone," said Receptionist and Administrative Assistant, Andrea Lane. "The couple of days in between the removal of our old benches and waiting for the delivery of our new upgraded furniture, there were numerous times I directed people to have a seat while they waited, forgetting that it wasn't there."
Thank goodness for new shady spots to sit, and for cooler weather ahead.
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