YMCA of Collier County Advocates for Children at Florida Legislative Session

On Monday, March 6, the Florida Legislature began its 60-day legislative session. The next day, officials representing YMCA of Collier County were there to advocate for two very important programs.

Cindy Love-Abounader, President and CEO of the YMCA of Collier County, scheduled meetings with the President of the Senate, Kathleen Passidomo, and Representative Bob Rommel, among other state officials.  Love-Abounader started the conversation asking for their support for the Y’s “Safety Around Water” program and the “Y-Reads After School Literacy” program.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that drowning is the top cause of death for children ages one through four in the state of Florida,” said Love-Abounader, “and our very successful Y-Reads After School Literacy” program has a 93% success rate, improving the reading skills of students in grades one through three who were below grade level in reading proficiency prior to entering the program. This program is a collaboration with the Collier County Public Schools and takes place at three Title I schools.”

Following the meeting with Representative Rommel, the YMCA team traveled to the office of the Senate’s President, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, where arrangements were made for a lengthy meeting with her legislative aide.  Additional information on both programs was provided by the YMCA team. 

In between sessions, the team networked with leaders of successful and innovative programs throughout the State, including members of the YMCA State Alliance, and high-level decision-makers.

The advocacy team returned to Collier County two days later. The Legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on May 5. Shortly thereafter, the YMCA will be notified if the requested financial support was included in the approved budget and if the Governor accepted the approved budget.