Children & Families First named Champion of Community Equity

In a July 23 virtual meeting, the Sussex County Health Coalition honored Children & Families First as the 2020 Champion of Community Equity.

The award recognized CFF’s Seaford Community of Hope initiative.

Led by CFF staff members Kathryn Burritt and Jeffrey Benson, Seaford Community of Hope is an initiative supported by the Casey Family Programs.

“This is an opportunity to truly hear what Seaford residents are struggling with, to offer guidance, resource referrals, and wraparound services that help improve lives, increase economic stability, and reduce stressors. This in turn decreases the risk of child abuse and neglect,” said Burritt.

Serving 320 individuals, both children and adults, residing in a targeted apartment complex in Seaford, the initiative uses the principle of meeting them where they are  to understand, build trust and connect people with the resources and supports they need to excel, grow and thrive.

“Statistically, this is a community with some of the greatest challenges in the area, but there are a lot of engaged people who live in this complex and who want to change the stigma of their neighborhood. By working directly with a Parent Advisory Committee, we are able to hear, respond and facilitate services,” said Benson.

The coalition identified CFF’s Seaford Community of Hope for the award because of its innovative approach to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. “By pivoting to emails, texts, and phone calls, as well as enlisting the apartment complex’s management company to print and safely distribute flyers, we were able to ensure continued relationships and connections,” said Burritt. Throughout the crisis, Seaford Community of Hope has provided gift cards to help with household expenses, and referrals for food and hygiene supplies via the Seaford School District, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Harry K Foundation. Seaford Community of Hope has also hosted a COVID-19 testing day with the Rosa Health Center, and has provided free face masks, antibacterial soap and educational materials on how residents can keep themselves healthy and safe from the virus.

Upcoming resources and services include: a bike rodeo with the Seaford Police Department offering safety training and giveaways; backpack and school supply giveaways; and a Renters to Homeowners series co-hosted with NCALL, Stand By Me and Habitat for Humanity to educate residents about credit scores, money management and wealth building.

“We continue to help residents with food access, unemployment benefit navigation and filing, respite care applications for those taking care of relatives including grandchildren, basic need referrals, and rental and utilities assistance,” said Burritt.

Benson said this initiative is about building a family resource hub that doesn’t just talk about connections, but strives to build and sustain them. “It’s an honor to help residents in this community overcome many significant life challenges and watch as they gain confidence and self-sufficiency. I enjoy the conversations and interactions with the families, and I am looking forward to witnessing as Seaford Community of Hope continues to transform lives and futures,” he said.