The Florida Chamber Foundation is expanding its Prosperity Initiative, which aims to address generational childhood poverty in Florida through targeted efforts at the zip code level. The initiative seeks to replace poverty with pathways to prosperity and self-sufficiency for families across the state.
Heather Cogar, Statewide Director of Community Engagement for the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Florida Prosperity Initiative, emphasized the importance of collaborative work. “Growing up in the challenges of the foster care system, serving as a Deputy Sheriff and running a small business have all taught me that the Florida Prosperity Initiative’s approach is the right one and I’m looking forward to partnering with more and more business and community leaders as we continue to change lives,” Cogar said. “Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and by working hand-in-hand with business and community leaders we can remove barriers that hold families back and build a future where opportunity is within reach for all Floridians, regardless of their zip code.”
Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, testified before Congress in 2016 about targeting efforts to break cycles of generational poverty. The resulting Prosperity Initiative focuses on applying free enterprise principles to create opportunities for those in need. The program’s Zip Code Model has gained national recognition for addressing ten root causes of poverty with neighborhood-based solutions.
David Vincent, Citrus County Sheriff, shared his support for Cogar’s leadership: “My wife and I have known Heather Cogar for approximately 15 years, and her life experiences are defined by resilience, perseverance and overcoming obstacles. As a person, she has been impacted by the foster care system and therapeutic treatment centers like those at Camp E-Nini-Hassee in Floral City, FL. I am confident that her unique set of personal and professional experiences have prepared her to be a fierce advocate for children, while helping them find a pathway to prosperity they otherwise wouldn’t have had.”
Wilson noted both economic growth in Florida and persistent childhood poverty: “Right now, there are more than 714,000 Florida children living in poverty. In a state that has the 16th largest economy in the world and continues to create jobs higher than the national average, replacing poverty with prosperity is not only imperative, it’s the right thing to do and having Heather building support in every community of Florida will be a game changer for our Florida Prosperity Initiative and so many kids and communities.”
The initiative works closely with an advisory board comprised of members from both business communities and non-profit organizations throughout Florida.
Karen Moore, Founder & CEO of The Moore Agency as well as Incoming Chair-Elect of the Florida Chamber Foundation expressed support: “With 983 zip codes and more than half of our 714,768 children living in poverty in just 15 percent (150) of Florida’s zip codes, the Florida Prosperity Initiative is connecting every community to leverage partnerships aimed at helping families move from a life of barriers and dependence to one of prosperity and self-sufficiency. The Moore Agency is a proud supporter of this work.”
The Prosperity Initiative operates under guidance from its advisory board. It encourages collaboration among businesses, policymakers, nonprofits, and other leaders across sectors.
At an event earlier this year focused on economic opportunity solutions—attended by figures such as First Lady Casey DeSantis; Tim Marks (President & CEO Metropolitan Ministries); John Rivers (Owner 4 Rivers Smokehouse)—participants highlighted collective responsibility:
Casey DeSantis said: “We can do so much more if we are working together, we know the mission, and we are working for the individual.”
Tim Marks stated: “Remember the opening comments by Mark? He talked about Prosperity, he talked about GDP, and then he paused and said ‘however.’ In this room there are folks in public sector, private sector faith community nonprofits. And all of us care about ‘the however.’”
John Rivers added: “The fact that you are here you are part of the Prosperity Committee and the Initiative that they are doing says a lot about your heart and your priorities are as a company and an individual. So thank you.”
More information on these efforts can be found at www.flchamber.com/flprosperityinitiative.
