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Rural Development - Florida
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Rural Development - Florida
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AmeriCorps Files
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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F
(3)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Americorps
Series/Staff Member:
General Files
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
24222
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Rural Development - Florida
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
1
5
1
FLORIDA STATE TA RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
(Fill
1
RECD
21
DATE: 4-18-95
Florida
TO: fael Berg
FAX #: 202/720-4614
RDT
PAGES:
FROM:
Karen Prentiss, Executive Director
RE:
foel-
Please advise, per our
phone conversation - Do we
have a fit ?
Karen Prentis
please note- The City of
Marianna and the
Counts of Jackson ( 2 of the
referred host organizations are" Champion
Communis
443 Collins Building - 107 West Gaines Street - Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2000
Phone: 904/921-0123 - FAX: 904/922-9596 - SunCom: 275-9357
UNITED DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250
March 2 1 1995
Honorable Pete Peterson
MAR
U.S. House of Representatives
306 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0902
Dear Congressman Peterson:
Thank you for your letter concerning placement of Department of Agriculture
(USDA) AmeriCorps Rural Development team members in Florida. We apologize for
the delay in responding.
Unfortunately, because our first class of AmeriCorps members had already begun
work, we were not able to directly fund Rural Development team members in Florida
last year. However, USDA would be pleased to provide advice and information to any
other AmeriCorps programs related to rural development that may be funded in Florida
by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). In addition, if we are
able to expand our AmeriCorps programs next year, we will give full consideration to
placing AmeriCorps Rural Development, Anti-Hunger, and/or Environmental Teams in
Florida.
Because we are only in the first year of operating our AmeriCorps programs --
and because we wanted to be careful not to harm or duplicate existing local initiatives --
there are many States in which we are unable to place programs. In addition, as you
know, in creating the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, Congress
limited funds granted through Federal agencies such as USDA. Our ability to use
USDA appropriations also was limited. Consequently, USDA proposed a handful of
pilot projects throughout the country. Subsequently, our pilot project proposals were
selected by CNCS after a vigorous national competition among 15 Federal agencies. I
assure you that I am aware of the community development needs of rural areas
throughout Florida. USDA will continue to seek ways through AmeriCorps and our
many other rural development programs in order to meet those needs.
Please contact Joel Berg, USDA Director of National Service, at 202-720-6350, to
discuss how Florida projects may obtain our advice and information on seeking funding
for programs this year. We look forward to working with you to expand AmeriCorps
opportunities throughout Florida and the remainder of the Nation.
Sincerely,
Rich R
RICHARD E. ROMINGER
Acting Secretary
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
WASHINGTON OFFICE
PETE PETERSON
306 CANNON BUILDING
20 DISTRICT FLORIDA
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-0902
(202) 225-5235
COMMITTEES
ON
Congress of the United States
DISTRICT OFFICES
NATIONAL SECURITY
930 THOMASVILLE ROAD. SUITE 101
House of Representatives
TALLAHASSEE FL 32303
SMALL BUSINESS
(904) 561-3979
Washington, DC 20515-0902
MARIANNA
(904) 752-1088
LAKE CITY
April 6, 1995
(904) 752-1088
30 WEST GOVERNMENT STREET
ROOM 203
PANAMA CITY, FL 32401
(904) 785-0812
Ms. Karen Prentiss
Executive Director
Florida State Rural Development Council
443 Collins Building
107 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2000
Dear Karen:
Enclosed is a copy of the reply I received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in
response to my September 29, 1994 letter regarding the Department's decision to select 29
states for AmeriCorps team pilot programs without any competition.
Karen, it took six months and two letters to elicit this response which is disappointing
in its general nature. Nevertheless, I thought you might like a copy for your files. In the
meantime, I have learned of the Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations' application
for a Americorp National Service Grant. Recognizing the value of such a grant to North
Florida, I remain hopeful the Department will see the wisdom of approving that application.
My staff assistant, Eve Young, has told me of your recent meeting with various
Congressional staffers and the projects which you presented. As always, I am impressed
with your organization, professionalism, and enthusiasm. The State of Florida is indeed
fortunate to have someone of your caliber in a position to assist our rural communities.
In closing, let me remind you that my office is always open to you, so you should
never hesitate to call on me whenever you feel I might be of service.
Sincerely Peterson
Pete Peterson, M.C.
DBP:eay
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
I.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW/SUMMARY
A 1993 statewide rural needs survey report, targeted to community
and business leadership in Florida's 31 rural counties stated the
following resources. needs as a top need priority: A.) A lack of
information regarding what resources are available to address local
community needs; and B.) Lack of available and trained
individuals, volunteers and staff to respond to grant and other
resources development opportunities which address community service
needs.
These needs were reiterated during a meeting held in January 1995,
between representatives from rural Florida's rural northern
communities, Governors Commission on Community service, Florida
State Rural Development Council and the Florida Association of
Nonprofit Organizations. A strategy response to the needs
identified during that meeting was the development of this grant
proposal by a coalition comprised of the attending organizations
from that meeting. Seven host organizations recognized that their
respective needs could not be painted with the same brush. The
needs of the individual organizations/communities were unique in
many ways. These groups knew what their particular local area
struggles were and knew what would be of greatest help. This led
FANO and the FSRDS to reaffirm what many others across the country
were currently saying - namely that generic rural community
development strategies must be accompanied by targeted initiatives
to have the greatest impact. The proposed program comprised
composed of various targeted initiatives and does not take the
National Service Grant Application ---- page 2
"cookie cutter" approach to solving communtiy problems.
The proposed program to be operated under the general
administration of the Florida Association of Nonprofit
Organizations, in coordination with Florida State Rural Development
Council will have: 1.) a general focus on developing resources,
specific projects and community capacity building in the four
national Americorp areas: public safety, environment, human needs
and education, and 2.) a targeted focus on planning and
developing resources which support: 1.) direct service delivery
mechanisms and 2.) implementation of specific projects which fall
into the four national priority areas.
The target area for the proposed program is a geographically
clustered group of local governments and nonprofit organizations
located in northern rural Florida. The program will include one
rural city, three rural counties, and one urban county which has
rural unincorporated areas. The program will place thirteen
AmeriCorp participants, with seven host organizations, into full-
time positions for a twelve month period.
These host organizations include: the City of Marianna, Marianna
Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson County, Wakula County, Coastal
Housing Coalition, Wakula County Senior Citizen's Council and Leon
County. The program mission is to develop community resources,
services and leadership which helps rural citizens improve their
own lives and their communities in areas where poverty prevails and
race divides. We will have a targeted focus in investing in
National Service Grant Application
page 3.
training and technical assistance resources and assistance for
community leaders and change agents, who work "on the ground" to
better their communities. AmeriCorp participant work placement
categories which will be recruited for will include: Resource
Development Specialist, Community Development Specialist, Circuit
Rider and Strategic Planner.
Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Florida State
Rural Development Council and the host organizations will develop
a program work plan to build the necessary technical training, and
communication infrastructure to connect activities and resources to
support the program related work effort of participating host
organizations and their AmeriCorps participants.
Florida
Association of Nonprofit Organizations will work with the Florida
State Rural Development Council and the host organizations to
recruit participants. Florida Association of Nonprofit
Organizations in coordination with the Florida State Rural
Development Council will: 1.) develop descriptive materials and an
application for the program; and 2.) will distribute them with the
help of the host organizations. Participants of this program will
be required to at least hold high school diploma or equilivantcy.
Information and applications will be sent to post-secondary
institutions in or near the host organization's geographic service
areas. Packets will be sent to financial aid counselors, placement
officers, deans and student organizations. Florida Association of
Nonprofit Organizations will target news strategies and public
service announcements in student media. Florida Association of
Nonprofit Organizations will attempt to hold recruitment seminars
National Service Grant Application page 4
on key campuses. Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations
will develop an Americorp partnership needs profile for each
participating host organization and a skills bank and inventory of
potential participants. All assignments for participants will be
mutually agreed upon by Florida Association of Nonprofit
Organizations and the participating host organizations.
Participants will be provided, through the vehicles of Florida
Association of Nonprofit Organizations a;nd Florida State Rural
Development Council, with a number of key contact people who can be
continuing resources to them in whatever areas of interest are
identified as problematic during the provision of technical
assistance and training services. Curriculums for teaching
participants in leadership development, volunteerism, resource and
networking development, organization management, communication
skills and understanding of basic business principles will be
developed by the Florida Associations of Nonprofit Organizations.
Participants will receive one day regional training workshops four
times a year. This may happen in a seminar format that includes
elements of direct education, experience, sharing and practical
debriefing sessions where participants provide and are provided
input regarding lessons learned, problems overcome and other
significant information.
Florida Association of Nonprofit program coordination staff will
maintain ongoing contact with participants and their on-site host
organization supervisors throughout the year's assignments in order
to answer questions, offer guidance, make necessary arrangements
National Service Grant Application page 5
and help solve any problems that may arise. The Florida
Association of Nonprofit Organization's staff will provide both on-
site as well as telephone technical assistance during the regular
working day to project participants who are seeking such
assistance. Additionally, direct technical assistance will be
provided through written materials which will include
correspondence when a technical assistance recipient desires a
written response.
The Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations will administer
the proposed program, from its offices in Miami Lakes and
Tallahassee. The program will be budgeted and identified as a
separate project. Staffing will be provided by existing Florida
Association of Nonprofit Organizations staff who will be assigned
to the supervision of the participant in coordination with of all
the participating host organizations. Participants will be
provided office space, computer equipment, social support, travel
support and office support from the participating host
organizations.
The Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Florida
State Rural Development Council foresee a primary source for
national identification being provided through their respective
newsletters. These statewide publication provide up to date local,
state, and national resource information. Florida Association of
Nonprofit Organizations and Florida State Rural Development Council
will designate a section of their newsletters to frequently asked
questions regarding AmeriCorps, and the respective host
National
ice Grant Application page 6
organizations and the respective host organizations and their
AmeriCorps related projects. Additionally, a document will be
developed and published where the process which was developed for
program implementation will be disseminated to other communities on
a state and national basis who are interested in developing a
similar program.
II. PROGRAM NEEDS
Information relating to the need for the program described in this
application is located in Table A and B. The proposed program
will have:
1.) a general focus on developing resources, specific
projects, and community capacity building in the
four national AMERICORP priority areas; public
safety, environment, human needs and education.
2.) a targeted focus on planning and developing
resources which support 1.) direct service delivery
mechanisms and 2.) implementation of specific
projects which fall into the four national priority
areas.
The target area for the proposed program, including a coalition of
seven host organizations, is a geographically clustered group of
local governments and nonprofit organizations located in northern
rural Florida. The program will include one rural city, three
National Service Grant Application page 7
rural counties, and one urban county which has rural unincorporated
areas (refer to Map A).
MAP A: Program Geographic Service Area
Holmes
Jackson
Escambia
Santa
Rosa
Okaloosa
Walton
Gaosden
Nassau
Wash-
ington
Hamilton
Bar
Calhoun
Leon
Массол
Liberty
dumbia
Baker
De
7
Wakulia
gior
Sewannee
Cn
Brailford
OL
Gulf
Franklin
Lafayette
Clay
hins
Dixie
Gilchrist
Fla
Levy
1.
Marianna
Chamber of Commerce
Marion
11
Cirus
Lake
2.
City of Marianna
Sumter
Jackson County
Hernando
C
3.
Coastal Housing Coalition
13
19
10
LESSO
Wakula County
:
20
4.
Wakula County
22
Pinellas
Polk
Senior Citizen Council
Hillsbor
17
5.
Wakula County
21
26
Manatee
Hardee
6.
Leon County
26
Sarasota
Desoto
7.
Jefferson County
24
Charlotte
35
25
COME
National Service Grant Application ----
page 8
C fael, Component Here's the they planning
III. Participant Action Plan
A. Planning
Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Florida State
Rural Development Council will develop a program work plan to build
the necessary technical, training, and communication infrastructure
to connect activities and resources to support the program related
work effort of targeted participating host organizations' and their
AMERICORPS participants. The following information, broken down
into components for readability, describes the planning activities
for our proposed program. The program will place thirteen
Americorp participants, into seven host organizations, into full-
time positions for a twelve month period.
Component 1:
Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations, in coordination
with the Florida State Rural Development Council, will host an
initial meeting in Tallahassee to present an overview to
participating host organizations for the refinement of a the 12
month program work plan. The plan will be oriented to their
involvement and responsibility for each component of the program.
Specific issues addressed will include time frames, collection of
participant and outcome data, site locations for participant
meetings, public participation, evaluation and
administrative/programtic task work, resource commitment to the
process, training as appropriate, and general correspondence.
Component 2:
Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Florida State
National Service Grant Application page 9
Rural Development Council, in coordination with the participating
host organizations, will coordinate at least one meeting in each
host organization's geographic location during the first two months
of the program. Each meeting will provide those in attendance
with an overview of the program and will address any concerns or
changes which may need to be made prior to program implementation.
Meeting attendees may assist in determining how to develop a plan
for the participant to work on specific projects. Resource
availability, technical issues and the availability of training and
or volunteers and professionals to assist participants will be
discussed.
Component 3:
Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations, Florida State Rural
Development Council and participating host organization groups will
meet twice in Tallahassee during a two month period to assimilate
all information obtained from each of the host organizations's
initial planning meetings into the program. The participating host
organization meeting information will be complied into a planning
document to be incorporated into a "road map" for program
implementation.
B.
RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND PROCESS
1.
PARTICIPANT JOB CATEGORIES
The proposed program will place and utilize twenty (20) full time
Americorps volunteers during a twelve month period
Table #C and #D provides specific participant action information.
National Service Grant Application ---- page 10
Table E: PROGRAM TIMELINE
ACTIVITY
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jne
Jly
Aug
95
95
95
95
96
96
96
96
96
96
96
96
1. Project planning: conduct overall program
=
=
=
-
and host organizational meetings, develop
materials, resources and program process
publish workplan
2. Recruit and select participants
=
=
=
=
II
=
-
=
-
=
-
-
3. Conduct training workshops
=
=
=
=
=
=
II
=
II
II
4. Conduct participant technical assistance
and evaluation activities
=
=
=
=
=
II
5. Develop replication and national idenity
materials
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
II
II
6. Implement program / direct service related
activities
Table F.
Program Management Capacity Data
Supervisiors
Background and Experience:
Program related responsibilities:
and Host Organization Name:
Karen Prentiss
MSW, MPH, 25 years experience in
responsible for planning and
Florida State Rural Development
community and economic
developing all aspects of program
Council, Program Technical Advisor
development
including the provision of training
and technical assistance activities
Marina Pavlov
MS, 20 years of teaching and 10
responsible for planning,
Florida Association of Nonprofit
years of administrative and
developing and general
development experience.
administration of all aspects of
Organizations
Program Administrator
programs
Cynthia Demos
BA, Public relations specialist with
responsible for daily
Florida Association of Nonprofit
extensive experience, in organizing,
administration and program
Organizations
planning and program evaluation and
implementation including
Program Coordinator and Public
surveys.
evaluation, reporting, training
and technical assistance activities.
Relations Director
Wyatt Popes
PhD with over ten years of
responsible for program and
Senior Citizen Council
community development executive
administrative activities relating
Wakula County
currently county commissioner
to participants and AmeriCorp
Host Organization
Becky Porter
20 years administrative experience, 4
responsible for program and
years local government supervisor
administrative activities relating
Wakula County
Host Organization
to participants and AmeriCorp
Ken Bass
BA, 10 years experience in low
responsible for program and
income housing, certified building
administrative activities relating
Coastal Housing Coalition
Wakula County
contractor
to participants and AmeriCorp
Host Organization
John McCue
over 5 years of community
responsible for program and
development experience
administrative activities relating
Leon County
Host Organization
to participants and AmeriCorp
Janice Rhoads
Over 5 years of resource
responsible for program and
Jefferson County
development experience
administrative activities relating
Host Organization
to participants and AmeriCorp
Elly Johnson
BS, 25 years of municipal
responsible for program and
City of Marianna
government experience
administrative activities relating
Host Organization
to participants and AmeriCorp
Wendell Taylor
Over 5 years of community
responsible for program and
Marianna Chamber of Commerce
development experience
administrative activities relating
Host Organization
to participants and AmeriCorp