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FEATURED INITIATIVE:
Conservation Corps
of the Forgotten Coast
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Franklin’s Promise Coalition was selected by the Corps Network to be part of the Gulf Coast Restoration Initiative in 2014. As a benefiting organization identified as having the history, infrastructure and community capacity to initiate an independent conservation corps program for the Apalachicola River Watershed region, the Coalition has brought the Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast (CCFC) to a reality. The CCFC is a comprehensive youth development program for young adults 18-25 years of age (veterans up to 29, and summer internships for ages beginning at 16 years old) which provides participants with job training, academic programming, leadership skills, and additional support through a strategy of service that conserves, protects and improves the environment, as well as community resilience. This initiative will accomplish an array of specific habitat restoration projects throughout the region such as invasive species removal, living shoreline installation, oyster reef restoration, water quality monitoring, and pine savanna restoration. The Corps is funded on a “fee for service” model which provides governmental agencies and nonprofits a cost effective alternative to completing environmental work while providing benefits to the local communities through youth training and employment.
On Friday, September 18th the Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast will be ready for full implementation. The Kick-Off celebration will feature a ribbon cutting commemorating the completion of the Apalachicola Nature Trail Pilot Project, supported by the City of Apalachicola on the 700 plus acre site which serves as the spray fields for the City’s water reuse system. Experienced crew leaders, Shane Murphy and Abbey Toomer from Florida based corps, Community Training Works, Inc. are serving as mentors for the five member crew. Local crew members Eric Coleman, Will Collins, Holden Foley, Caci Wallace and Kendall WhiteEagle have worked for eight weeks to complete the nature trail. Please join partners and the community for a light lunch and presentation at noon at the Kevin Road Trail Head in Apalachicola (see map).
The next steps will include a second pilot project and a fully operational crew supported by the Nature Conservancy and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the mentorship of the Corps Network. Further development as an element of the Gulf Coast Restoration Initiative hopes to include work with the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve through funding of the US Department of Commerce/NOAA and the RESTORE Council. Contact Joe Taylor, 850-323-0176.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Running for the Bay
Calling for volunteers! The communities’ assistance is needed to host one of the coolest events in the region. Each year hundreds of runners from all over the world come to Franklin County to run across the bridges of Apalachicola River and Bay. As a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, it is a lot of fun for both the runners and the volunteers. Water stations are set up along the route of the marathon. Volunteers pass out water and snacks (which are all provided) and cheer people on to the finish line! Everyone starts early on Sunday morning, October 18th! Any questions call 850-653-3930! Or volunteer online by going to volunteer portal, click here.
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FEATURED
BOARD
MEMBER:
Beth Brinkley, Chair
Franklin Toy Project
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Beth Brinkley has served on the Coalition Board as the Chair of the Franklin County Toy Project since 2009. Taking on the role as the “Lead Elf” for over 600 children, Brinkley devotes the majority of her holiday season to ensure the most vulnerable of the region’s children receive gifts and books. As co-owner and Acquisitions Manager of Resort Vacation Properties, she has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years. She served on the board of the Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association from 2007 to 2011, and has been a member of the National Vacation Rental Managers Association since 1998. She is a founding member of the business association on St. George Island, and currently serves as President . When not at work or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her family, which consists of her husband, four children and eight grandchildren. From the community and your fellow volunteers, salute to the “Lead Elf”!!!
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FEATURED VOLUNTEER:
Rita O'Connell,
Apalachicola
Food Pantry
Mrs. Rita O'Connell has been volunteering with the Food Pantry since 2005, shortly after her husband passed. She helps bagging and is usually posted at the door on distribution days greeting participants. Rita is quoted as saying, "I am grateful to be able to help." When asked, the thing Rita likes best about volunteering with the Food Pantry is; working with Lori (Coordinator), who is very efficient. Thank you, Rita, for your continued commitment to the Food Pantry and giving back to our community.
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FEATURED
PARTNER:
Healthy Gulf,
Healthy
Communities
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The fifth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which resulted in a loss of eleven lives and substantial environmental and economic losses for residents along the Gulf Coast region was April 20, 2015. In the aftermath of the spill, a University of Florida (UF) led team of researchers has been studying the physiological, psychological and sociological effects in order to help communities recover and prepare for future potential disasters. Franklin's Promise Coalition has served as the community partner representing a coastal community which was highjy impacted, but not physcally touched by significant oil from the spill. The team of biologists, psychologists, social scientists and members of affected communities is ready to release findings from the research project to address the environmental, economical and emotional health concerns in Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast communities as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill. Visit the website here.
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OYSTER CRISIS & RECOVERY:
SMARRT
Seafood Management Assistance
Resource & Recovery Team
Resulting from the work with the Healthy Gulf, Healthy Communities Study and the UF Oyster Recovery Team, this group of Apalachicola Bay Stakeholders. SMARRT works diligently to address the issues facing the management of Apalachicola Bay and the oyster fishery crisis. Partners include Sea Grant, UF, FWC, DACS, the City of Apalachicola, and CareerSource Gulf Coast. Contact Betty Webb, SMARRT Facilitator, 850-653-9319.
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DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE:
In an effort to improve the community's understanding of the mission and initiatives of the Coalition, as well as to keep our partners updated on projects and committe progress, the staff and I are pleased to begin a monthly newsletter. This first edition will describe the functions of our committees and give a highlight of current initiatives.
We are grateful to our partners; local, state and national, for supporting our mission here in the rural Florida Panhandle. If you would like to be involved with the Coalition, our group would love to set up a time to meet and discuss your thoughts and how they could benefit the communtiy. Please reach out to any of our committee chairs for information about their ongoing work.
Thank you again, Joe Taylor, Executive Director
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HUNGER & NUTRITION
Working with America’s Second Harvest, Farm Share, the Carrabelle Food Pantry, the First Baptist Church of Eastpoint, the Gulf County Food Pantry and the Gulf/Franklin Counties Department of Health to address supplemental food for the region. The Apalachicola Food Pantry serves 350 families with the help of area churches and volunteers. The Holiday Food Drive will begin in October. Contact Lori witzer, Coordinator, 850-653-3930
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FRANKLIN TOY PROJECT
Working with Toys for Tots, Franklin County Sheriff's Department, Franklin County Schools, Early Education and Care, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida and a multitude of area businesses, civic groups and churches to provide holiday support for over 600 local children and their families. Donations are requested and volunteers are need to sort, pack and distribute. Contact Beth Brinkley, 850-323-0187.
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PROSPER FRANKLIN
A proven anti-poverty initiative adapted to the needs of Franklin County, the process is aimed to eliminate multi generational poverty and reduce the barriers to self sufficiency for under resourced families. Partnering with Career Source Gulf Coast, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and a core of trained volunteers, the initiative creates deliberate friendships across socioeconomic lines to strengthen resiliency and build social capital. If you would like to be involved with this motivated group, please join us for one of our weekly meetings. Contact Jeanette Taylor, 850-323-0178.
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ARTS IN WELLNESS
Initiated by the University of Florida and Shands Hospital in 2008, the program is nationally noted to be one of the first to utilize arts activities to engage participants through the Arts with social services. Activities such as pottery, visual journaling, Zumba, drumming, and square dancing have documented benefits strengthening individual and community resilience. The new Photo2voice project is looking for particpants who would like to document "what makes Franklin County strong" through photography. All you need is interst, the program supplies, the cameras, and instruction are provided. Contact Tami Seaman 850-710-0770.
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SENIOR SERVICES
Focusing on meeting the needs of seniors, particularly those which are home bound, this group works in partnership with the Apalachicola Senior Center (City of Apalachicola), Wakulla Senior Services and regional churches/volunteers to deliver supplemental food including fresh vegetables, planned shopping and recreational trips, home safety repairs, and connection to social services. Contact Juli Jones, 850-653-3930.
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YOUTH PARTNERSHIP
Uniting the organizations, agencies and volunteers who support positive youth development, partners include Franklin County Schools, The Department of Juvenile Justice, Capital City Youth Services, Apalachee Center, and Twin Oaks Juvenile Development. The committee will resume montly meetings on October 12 at Franklin County School. Contact Hali Thompson, 850-653-3930.
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DISASTER READINESS
Serves as the lead agency for volunteer development and coordination facilitating Emergency Support Function 15, Volunteers and Donations, as well as Unmet Needs and the Long Term Recovery Coalition for the Franklin County Emergency Management Director. Supports the development of Franklin County CERT, a directory and online system for volunteer engagement and training on Asset Based Community Development. Bay Aid Franklin is Franklin County’s disaster relief fund and emergency assistance program for disaster recovery. Contact Tamara Allen, 850-524-1153.
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MEETING SCHEDULE:
Franklin County Youth Partnership, Fist Monday of each month, 12 noon, Franklin County School (1250 US-98), Eastpoint, We will meet in the Conference Room at the Franklin County School.
Prosper Franklin, Third Monday of each Monday, 12 noon, Franklin's Promise Coalition Office (Mayor Van Johnson Community Resource Center, 192 Coach Wagoner Blvd., The Old Apalachicola High School), Apalachicola
Prosper Franklin Proverty Initiative, each Monday of the month (except the Third as particapantes are invited to the Prosper Franklin meeting held at 12 noon), St. Patrick Dinning Hall (31 6th St, corner of Avenue C and 6th St), Apalachicola
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Franklin's Promise Coalition, Inc
192 Coach Wagoner Blvd.
Apalachicola, FL 32320
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