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Published: Jul 05, 2006
Subject: The Tampa Tribune,Letters to the Editor
Community In Action
On June 21 The American Dream's 5th Congress was called to order at Saint Leo University. Delegates interested in our children's welfare, representing east and central Pasco communities, were present. After Jessica White, assistant coordinator of Student Activities at Pasco-Hernando Community College, welcomed practitioners, we engaged in a brief recap of last year's activities and set plans for the future.
Because area captains and other concerned delegates expressed an interest in better understanding our community's disaster plan, 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 the planners to join us and address some of these important issues.
Ron Miller of Food for Tots related the story of his organization's five-year involvement with Toys for Tots of East Pasco and then updated us on the group's continuing efforts to provide food for hurricane victims throughout the Gulf region.
Jim Johnston of Emergency Management provided us with an overview of our county's current plans to address any countywide disaster. Heather Fiorentino, Pasco County school superintendent, gave details of how the school system responds to a disaster scenario. And Susan Hutson of Premier Community HealthCare Group updated us on the organization's expanding efforts on behalf of our neediest citizens and reported on the agency's expanding involvement.
We provided ample opportunity for 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 poverty-bound children. We affirmed that we will continue to strive to work smarter and not necessarily harder in assisting our poverty-bound children. And, as we fully realize that each community has limited resources, we will seek to avoid unnecessary duplication of services.
Our communities are truly blessed with fine service providers and volunteers. We will continue to seek new ways to address the problems of children living in poverty.
This year's congress was actively supported by the following organizations and partners: Saint Leo University, PHCC, San Antonio and Dade City Morning Rotary Clubs and the HMO Coalition. We appreciate the encouragement and support. God bless!
BOB LORING
Zephyrhills
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