On Wednesday, June 21st, The American Dream’s 5th Congress was called to order at St. Leo University. Delegates, interested in our children’s welfare, representing various East and Central Pasco communities were present. Jessica White, Assistant Coordinator of Student Activities at PHCC, welcomed the American Dream Practitioners to this year’s event. After introductions, delegates engaged in a brief re-cap of last year’s various local community activities and set forth plans for their future efforts.

As our area captains and other concerned delegates expressed an interest in better understanding our community’s disaster plan, this year, we focused on this critical topic. In addition, local captains wished to better understand how their community experience might be of assistance to our talented county planners. Consequently, we invited our county’s planners to join us to address some of these important issues.

Ron Miller, of Food for Tots, related the story of his organization’s five year involvement with Tots for Tots of East Pasco, and then, updated us on his group’s continuing efforts to provide food for hurricane victims throughout the Gulf region. Mr. Johnson, of Emergency Management, provided us with an overview of our county’s current plans to meet and address any potential county wide community disaster. Ms. Fiorentino, Pasco County School Superintendent, gave details of how the school system responds to a disaster scenario. Susan Hutson, Premier Community HealthCare Group, Inc., updated us on their organizations expanding efforts on behalf of our neediest Pasco citizens and, reported on their agency’s ever-expanding involvement in our county.

As is our stated policy and custom, we provided ample opportunity for our delegates to interact, network, and form partnerships. It is our conviction that only through constant communication will we be able to improve our services to the poverty bound children of Pasco County. We affirm that we will continue to strive to work “smarter,” and not necessarily “harder” in our undertaking of assisting our poverty bound children. And, as we fully realize that each community has limited recourses, we will seek to avoid unnecessary duplication of services.

On the plus side, our various communities are truly blessed with a fine assemblage of committed service providers and volunteers. We, The American Dream Practitioners and our valued partners, will continue to seek new ways to address the problems of children living in poverty. Together we stand, always eager to face the complex challenges ahead.

This year’s 5th TAD Congress was actively supported by the following organizations and partners: St. Leo University, Pasco-Hernando Community College, The San Antonio and Dade City ”Morning” Rotary Clubs, and the HMO Coalition. We appreciate your encouragement and active support. God Bless!

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