by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
For the first time the Jacksonville Children’s Commission budget reached its goal that was established in 1994, but there is more behind the Commission than just providing money to the programs.
The Jacksonville Children’s Commission was formed in 1994 under Mayor Ed Austin, who set a goal for its budget to reach half a million dollars.
Michael Munz, vice chairman of the board and chairman of the finance committee for the Jacksonville Children’s Commission, said the budget has been growing every year.
“It is a big deal for the Commission, because we’re hitting the goal that was established,” he said.
Last year’s budget was $19.39 million and the 2005-2006 budget is $21.5 million. The Children’s Commission is led by Executive Director/CEO Linda Lanier, who oversees a staff of 140 that tends to about 37,000 kids through the course of a year. Lanier said her budget is a combination of the Children’s Commision and the mayor’s Early Literacy Program. In fact, in order to reach this year’s budget of $21.5 million, some cuts had to be made.
“We had to cut 12 positions and had to use some creative thinking in that area,” said Lanier, who came to the Commission after several years with the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless. “We cut some programs that were less clear about the outcome.”
Even though it’s important the Commission funds the programs, Munz said it is even more important that the programs continue to grow year after year.
“We do more than just provide money to the programs,” said Munz, who is also executive vice president of The Dalton Agency. “Because (Mayor John) Peyton made literacy such an important component, we want to help grow and enhance it and carry it forward. We want to help the mayor’s initiative and help it stay in place.”
The Commission is creating literacy camps to tie into Mayor Peyton’s Early Literacy Initiative and they will also be tying in summer “camperships” for children with financial difficulties, to City Council President Kevin Hyde’s Homework Zone.
“As good foot soldiers, we figure out how to take their great ideas and implement them further,” said Munz. “The programs are very successful. We are taking their ideas and help them grow so it stays in place.”
Others programs being funded by the Clidren’s Commission are Team Up, Healthy Families, Ready Child Coalition, New Summer Camps and the Early Literacy Initiative.
“We have the responsibility as a city and a community, to children of all ages, to ensure we provide them opportunities in education and jobs,” said Munz. “It is important we support the children’s programs so they can have a shot at success.”
Munz said 24 percent of the 2005-2006 budget is going directly towards literacy programs and a lot of programs that are already receiving funding also have literacy areas.
“By getting to fund half a million dollars, we are able to create a balance and distribute the dollars that made the most sense,” said Munz. “We don’t operate the programs, we just fund them.”
Even though it is a difficult budget year for the City, Munz said every member of the Commission is passionate about the programs and very supportive of the budget Mayor Peyton proposed to City Council.
“It is a real tight, challenging budget year for the city, and we are very grateful to come in and fund the programs that are most effective and beneficial,” he said. “We are very thankful and we know we have a lot of work ahead.”
The Commission was formed because people saw a very big need to help kids.
“Ten, 11 years later, I don’t know what we would do with out this (the Commission),” said Munz. “It is important that it is the advocacy and voice for the children in the community.”
The Children’s Commission is relocating next week from the Florida Telecom building on Church Street to a campus-like setting at the corner of First Street and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.