Council Update: CSC to invest in 14 programs focused on youth development

Responding to community requests for more support for youth ages 6-18, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County’s board approved an initial investment of more than $3.6 million in 14 programs that focus on educational achievement, mental health and economic stability. 

CSC staff released a Request for Proposals in March for programs that support positive youth development. The Council received 66 applications, of which 57 passed the initial fiscal health assessment and advanced to the rating/review phase. Proposal raters included CSC staff, young adults, parents and community members.

The organizations approved for funding for Educational Achievement programs include:
•    Lake Worth West Resident Planning Group
•    Digital Vibez Inc.
•    The School District of Palm Beach County
•    West Atlantic Redevelopment Coalition
•    Esperanza Community Center, Inc.

The organizations approved for funding for Youth Mental Health programs include: 
•    Florida Atlantic University
•    Project Lift
•    Center for Hearing and Communication
•    Elizabeth H. Faulk Foundation, Inc.

The organizations approved for funding for Economic Stability programs include:
•    Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Inc.
•    Milagro Foundation, Inc.
•    Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Inc.
•    Renaissance Learning Academy Inc.
•    Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc.

Of the programs to approved for contract negotiations, seven are considered small (with revenues around $2 million), seven are considered large, seven are new to CSC’s network and seven are existing providers. The initial 15-month investment of $3.6 million includes funding for a three-month installment period and a one-year implementation contract. In the first year of funding, more than 4,100 youth are expected to be served.

In other business

Strategic Planning Update: Staff updated the Council on CSC’s strategic plan, noting that the organization’s goal now is to achieve child well-being through positive outcomes in six areas (or domains): physical health & safety; cognitive & learning; social emotional & mental health; family relationships & social connections; community, environment & supports; and economic stability & security. Staff provided a status update on the work currently being done, as well as expectations for how the process will continue. In the future, the Council can expect regular updates on strategy and performance, as well as information about the operationalization and refinement of Key Performance Indicators.

Fatherhood Initiatives: The Council approved increased funding for two fatherhood-focused programs administered by Community EFX. Funding for T.E.A.M. Dad will increase by $40,000 to a total amount not to exceed $215,000 and Celebrated Not Tolerated will increase by $35,000 to a total amount not to exceed $210,000. The funding will cover the cost of child care, crisis management support, employee retention, accreditation and a required Healthy Start fatherhood conference.

Doctoral Fellowship: The Council approved up to $31,000 a year, for a total amount not to exceed $93,000 for three years, to support a Doctoral Fellowship for Community Impact position at CSC, in partnership with Florida Atlantic University. The position will begin August 2026.

Mental Health Awareness: The Council proclaimed May Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Care Awareness Month. The Council recognized that one in four adults and one in five youth (13-18) experience a mental health challenge. Meanwhile, 60 percent of adults and half of youth don’t receive necessary care because of stigma and other barriers. This year, CSC and community partners celebrated the 11th annual Get Your Green On campaign to raise awareness and tackle stigma surrounding mental health. 

Micromobility Safety Campaign: Staff informed the Council that CSC invested $12,000 in a pilot program targeting middle school students to address e-bike/e-scooter safety. Safe Kids Palm Beach County, funded by CSC, launched the “Helmet Up!” program in May at Boca Raton Community Middle School, the first of four sites. In the fall, the pilot will expand to West Palm Beach, Lake Worth and Jupiter. Data analyzed by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Trauma Department found that 53 percent of crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters involve youth ages 11-14. The number of EMS calls in Florida for e-bike/e-scooter crashes involving children ages 11-18 have skyrocketed in the last three years, from 43 in 2023 to 1,018 in 2025.

Schools in Pools Award: In partnership with Palm Beach County government and the school district, CSC earned a national award for their collaborative Schools in Pools program. The program provides free in-school swim lessons to elementary school students at Pioneer Park Aquatic Center in Belle Glade. Schools in Pools removes barriers to access and delivers critical water safety education to hundreds of students, including those with disabilities.