See CSC -- 40 Years of Impact

Recognizing 40 years of service in Palm Beach County, Children’s Services Council kicked off a campaign honoring providers, partners and our community for their dedication to ensuring local children grow up healthy, safe and strong.

More than 100 people attended See CSC Day at Children’s Services Council’s offices in Boynton Beach on March 26 -- and thousands more celebrated with posts on social media. 

“We want our community to understand the amazing benefits of investing in children and families early,” said Lisa Williams-Taylor, CEO of CSC. “That’s why we’re launching our See CSC campaign today! Because together, we’re building a healthier, safer, stronger community – for generations to come.”

In 1986, Palm Beach County residents voted by a 70-30 margin to create Children’s Services Council to improve the lives of local children and their families. In 2014, local voters reaffirmed their belief in CSC by reauthorizing the organization with a resounding 85% endorsement.

Today, CSC is one of the largest funders of programs for children in the county. Last year alone, CSC directly served more than 52,000 Palm Beach County children. And more than 725 local organizations that employ more than 1,400 people, including child care providers and afterschool programs, receive financial support annually from CSC.

CSC is funded with property taxes, and has held the tax rate steady for three years in a row. The owner of a typical single-family home pays about $160 a year – less than 50 cents a day.

CSC-funded programs and services mean …

More babies are born healthy, which saves lives and reduces health care costs. More than 90% of babies born to families receiving CSC-funded services were full-term, compared to 88.9% of all PBC babies.  

More young children are screened for developmental concerns, and receive needed services, so they’re ready for kindergarten. 11,534 children were screened last year, and those at risk were referred for services.

More children are safe thanks to CSC-funded swim lesson vouchers, car seats, cribs and bike helmets. Last year, CSC funded 921 car seats, 1,440 bike helmets and 1,686 swim lesson vouchers.

More parents and caregivers go to work knowing their children are learning and growing in quality child care programs. To improve quality and retain high-performing staff, CSC has so far distributed 2,280 STAR Awards, totally $2.59 million, to early childhood education teachers. 

More youth are engaged in stimulating activities after school and during summer, which builds confidence and keeps children - and communities – safe. More than 32,000 children received child care, afterschool and summer camp scholarships last year.

More hungry children go home with backpacks full of food each weekend. Last year, CSC invested nearly $1.9 million in hunger-relief efforts.  

More teens have mentors, which helps keep them on track to graduate. In fact, about 2,000 youth directly benefit from a mentor thanks to funding from CSC.

More organizations had the support they needed to grow and serve local families. With local match funding from CSC, Palm Beach County residents benefit from nearly $50 million in additional public funds. 

To learn more about Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, click here.