Day 29: February18, 2010

Our schedule of events in Fort Lauderdale started with a presentation to The Children's Services Council of Broward County, a group providing outstanding services to children throughout the county. The CSC is truly making long term investments in children through their care of foster and homeless kids and through the exemplary early education programs they provide.

For lunch, the United Way hosted a gathering of community leaders at the Flite Center, a remarkable program helping foster children make the tough transition to adulthood. Started by the Junior League and a host of partners, the Flite Center is meeting a critical need in Broward County. I believe we need more programs like these to help our foster kids succeed! Additionally, we enjoyed a stimulating discussion with the community leaders in attendance about community-based groups turning their attention and energy towards retaining more local control over education and social service programs.

Later on, I had the pleasure of addressing student leaders from Strahan High School. These students joined me and some local advocates for a walk through the downtown Fort Lauderdale area. I had a very encouraging conversation with a 16-year old and it left me believing Florida wouldn't be in such a mess if our leaders in state government were half as committed to their fellow citizens as some of the student leaders among us.