Monday, June 14, 2010

Major Stressers for Families in Howard Coutny

• 18% of families in Howard County with children under 5 years live below the poverty level
• 51% of female-headed households live below the poverty level
• 70% of students in Kokomo-Center Schools qualify for free or reduced lunch

Substance Abuse

• 2008 to 2009, drug arrests increased over 50% from the prior year
• Age of first cocaine use is 13 for boys and 12 for girls
• More babies born in Howard County are addicted to substances than in Indiana and the U.S.
Family Violence
• The FSA Domestic Violence Shelter averages 100 women and 100 child residents per year
• The FSA Batterer’s program saw a participation increase of 600% in 2009

Inadequate Education

• Expulsion rates increased 30% in six years while drop out rates increased 40%
• Only 9% of Howard County children receive formal early childhood learning experiences

How do we help our families strengthen themselves?

…by utilizing the positive influence of our families.
…by fostering an alliance in our community.
…by creating a better place to live.

Families are the basic building blocks of our society. Parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters are the first teachers that our children know. Our basic values are passed along through our families.

4Community’s Plan to Build Stronger Families

Research

4Community Partners has researched similar projects and adapted a plan for our community.

Establish

Form neighborhood councils in target areas to:
• Identify assets/needs for the neighborhoods
• Utilize leaders within the neighborhoods who have stepped forward
• Plan and coordinate ways to improve the neighborhoods
• Mobilize the strengths that lie within the neighborhoods and put plans into action

Develop

Build a “Big Table” Council
• Bring together a group of service providers, business leaders, educators and religious leaders that will link the neighborhoods to potential resources outside.
• Support needs expressed by neighborhood councils and assist them in obtaining services.
• Market this example to other neighborhoods that need assistance by emphasizing the importance of family.

4 Community Partners

Bona Vista
Bridges Outreach
Center Township of Howard County
City of Kokomo
Community Foundation of Howard County
Family Service Association
Head Start Fatherhood Initiative
Howard County Health Department
Howard Regional Health System
Indiana University Kokomo
Ivy Tech Community College
Kokomo - Center School Corporation
Kokomo Rescue Mission
Kokomo Urban Outreach
St Joseph Hospital
Dr. Marilyn Skinner
Shearer Printing and Office Solutions
Taylor Community School Corporation
United Way of Howard County
Western School Corporation
WZWZ/WIOU/WMYK

4Community is facilitated by the United Way of Howard County and partially funded by Indiana Association of United Ways.