Day 24: January 14, 2010

A beautiful central Florida day started with a Channel 13 TV interview and then a five mile walk through Winter Park south of downtown Orlando. After the walk, we received a warm welcome from United Way, The Orange County Healthy Start Coalition and Jewish Family Services, not to mention the kids we interacted with at Orlando Day Nursery. I couldn't have asked for a better start to the day.

After visiting the Orlando Day Nursery, 50 kids joined me in a jaunt around Lake Dot. As we walked, several advocates and media professionals accompanied us.

Some of the advocates we spent time with, people like Linda Sutherland, Karen Broussard and Dick Batchelor, helped me to better understand this part of Florida as regards children's service groups. In particular, I learned that Orlando and the surrounding area is the largest part of Florida without a dedicated funding source for children. Though collaboration among groups that serve families and children is starting, it is not the norm. Thus, during an energizing lunch discussion with these types of groups from around the entire Central Florida Region, collaboration challenges were identified and ways to deal with the issues were considered.

Additionally, we got some great media attention and public recognition for the people doing great work in their communities. Getting back on the road, after a wonderful holiday with my family, has been good for my body and uplifting to my soul!