BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Tuesday, March 6th, at 6:30 p.m., members of the community will have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Lorita Shirley, Executive Director of Eckerd Youth Alternatives (EYA). EYA was awarded the contract after nine children died and HKI (Hillsborough Kids Inc.,) was stripped of it. The meeting will take place at the College Hill Church of God In Christ, 6414 N. 30th Street.
This is the first of several planned community-based Child Welfare and Foster Care Community Forums. Beginning on July 1st, Mrs. Shirley and her staff at Eckerd Youth Alternatives, will replace Hillsborough Kids Inc.
“Our goal is to align the community forums with the high removal areas. I want to talk to the people and allow them to tell me their concerns. My goal is to make folks aware of the services available,” Mrs. Shirley said.
“We are committed to the children. Our kids are pulled from their homes, placed in the system, raised in foster homes and don’t connect with relatives or the community. If we don’t deal with the problem now, then just put your hands in the air when they come back to rob you as teenagers. This is our problem to solve, these are our kids, and I want to hear from the members of the community.”
Mrs. Shirley further stated that the first meetings are going to take place in the zip codes with the highest number of children removed from homes. She feels that in order to address the problem, the agency must not only be connected to the community, but it must also accept feedback from the residents on how to remove obstacles for improved performance.
In addition to working within the community, Mrs. Shirley wants to connect with the churches as well. “We believe in God and respect for all. I want to reach out to the churches. It’s time for them to step up. I’m also looking for sororities and fraternities who are looking for something to wrap your arms around. We need mentors and places that will offer temporary care for the children.
“I have a vision that every child should have the opportunity to succeed. I want to know about what is going on. I want to know if people are not being given the services they need to care for the children and any other problems they may encounter. I need to hear from you,” she said.
Elder Charles Davis, senior pastor of College Hill Church of God in Christ said, “We are not only pleased, but honored, to co-host the first of many Community Forums that Eckerd is planning over the next several months.”
Under the guidance of Elder Davis, College Hill Church of God in Christ has a long history of supporting initiatives that strengthen and support families Hillsborough families.
For more information, contact Ms. April Putzulu at (727) 461-1236 x. 3331 or visit www.eckerd.org/hillsborough.
