by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
Jim Clark is like a father to hundreds of kids, but only two are of his blood. No matter, he treats them the same. He teaches them all the benefits of public service, volunteering and self respect.
As the President and Chief Executive Officer of daniel, Clark handles children with rough lives. It’s not their fault, circumstances beyond their control have put them in the situation they are in, but they can get out of it — and Clark is prepared to help.
“I’ve been blessed,” said Clark, who also came from a troubled family. After a social worker helped him when he was 14, Clark said he got over his self-pity and learned how to cope with a rocky background. “Quit feeling sorry for yourself and go help someone. When you give back, it helps you — and that’s what the world’s about.”
daniel was originally established in 1884 as an orphanage by children and women from a church in Jacksonville. It has since evolved into a multi-service agency and helps families and children through a variety of programs, some of which are nationally recognized.
Clark noted one program, the Adoption Information Center. Dozens of calls come in every day from people referring or looking for information on adoption. It was started in 1994 as Florida’s official adoption information and referral service to promote adoption as a viable option and raise public awareness of the need for “forever families” for Florida’s waiting children. The Center has received more than 90,000 calls since its inception.
Clark has been with daniel for 15 years and president for the past five. His duties include helping kids, but he’s also the non-profit organization’s top fundraiser. “That’s one of the hardest parts,” he said.
daniel has several programs for abused, abandoned, neglected and emotionally-troubled youth, many of which are funded by grant writing. Others are funded from community donations. It also receives state funding.
One prevention program offered at daniel saves 220 kids a year who are 15 years old or younger and have committed two or more criminal acts. The program is a national model, but it is in jeopardy thanks to budget cuts.
“They (legislators in Tallahassee) want to cut this program. They think there’s a way to do it cheaper,” said Clark. “But our success rate is the top in the state. We have been the best in all mannerisms and every year we have to fight to make sure everyone knows what’s going on.”
Clark pointed out this program has not seen a funding increase in five years and other programs at daniel haven’t received funding increases in eight years
“If we can’t do a quality program right, we won’t do it,” said Clark, who was in Tallahassee Monday lobbying for funding from the legislature.