The lives of children and families in Florida are at risk. As a result, in 1998, the Florida Legislature mandated that in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, some government services be privatized and placed in the hands of community based groups. Yet many local agencies, community and faith-based organizations were unaware of these changes.
In May 1999, Rev. Rick Sawyer was asked by the Department of Children & Families to begin a dialogue among agencies, community and faith-based groups to explore ways in which these three sectors might cooperate more effectively to help solve some of the enormous problems that threaten many of Miami's families, youth and children.
In June, 1999, a group from the faith community met to discuss ideas, needs and possibilities. From this beginning, the Family
& Children Faith Coalition emerged, unifying those who were interested in working together to make a greater impact
in the lives of families and children in their local communities.
In September 1999, we started monthly networking meetings focusing on specific topics. Attendees from different community groups and agencies shared information and resources and began forging alliances on a neighborhood level.
Training seminars were sponsored and word began to spread that FCFC was pooling the strengths of various groups, thus enabling each one to be more effective than it would be operating individually. This approach serves to help unify a divided city.
By January, 2000, FCFC was incorporated in the State of Florida as a not-for- profit organization. In June of 2000, we received 501c(3), tax - exempt status.
Since then, FCFC has developed into an organization that offers unique resources and capacity building for faith groups and provides direct services to children and families.
FCFC equips and mobilizes South Florida's faith community to more effectively respond to the needs of our neighbors. We also encourage these faith groups to work alongside other local agencies and organizations when possible.
We accomplish our tasks by means of networking, information and resource sharing, training and equipping, facilitating the development of neighborhood ministry collaborations and helping provide a positive voice for the faith community within various public venues.
If you'd like to reach those who are hurting in your community with God's love in practical ways, we'll try to assist you. Feel free to contact us.
