Earlier today, First Lady Cecile de Jongh convened the Virgin Islands Children and Families Council at Government House, St. Thomas to review initiatives in progress to advance the welfare of the Territory’s families with young children. With the economy and budget reduction measures in focus, the first lady led an interactive dialogue on grant applications, trainings for youth, professional development, and inter-agency efforts focusing on stabilizing socio-economic conditions in the Virgin Islands. The Council devoted significant time to assessing the effects of the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget, especially regarding the delivery of services. 

First Lady Cecile de Jongh chairs the Children and Families Council meeting at Government House on St. Thomas, July 8, 2011. Council members from St. Croix join via video-teleconference.

Government members on the Council recounted critical areas that will be impacted due to austerity measures in place, while non-profit and faith-based representatives reported less impact, thanks to ongoing financial support from private donors. The meeting was held via video-teleconference as a cost savings measure as not all Council members were on St. Thomas.

“As we know, recessions lead to higher poverty rates as families struggle with making ends meet. With poverty issues already a major concern, the undeniable impact on the Territory’s children and families highlights the importance of Government partnering with non-profit, private and faith-based communities to help support needed services and fill the gaps where budget shortfalls may now exist,” the first lady said. 

Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands President Dee Baecher Brown praised partnership efforts and the generosity of donors in ensuring that programs continue to succeed. ”We are seeing an increase in the number of requests for assistance, and some of the economic difficulties are more entrenched than in previous years, such as issues that residents face in finding jobs, or with health and housing needs. We are doing what we can to address these challenges, and are incredibly grateful for the continued commitments from donors in stepping up to the plate to assist.” 

The Territory’s schools will face significant impacts, including having less funds on hand for school maintenance programs, and for hiring personnel. Other extracurricular activities facing cuts include sports programs, student enrichment travel funds, and scholarship programs. “We are finding ways to shift around resources to cover the gaps that exist wherever possible,” Education Commissioner Dr. LaVerne Terry noted. 

The Attorney General’s Office reported on the anticipated loss of personnel, and acknowledged the support of the federal government in propping up programs such as the Paternity and Child Support Division, which is 66% funded through federal grants. 

Human Services Commissioner Christopher Finch noted that several block grants may be affected due to reductions in federal funding, and cuts to non-profit vendors could also become necessary. “We continue partnering with other entities to maximize resources and leverage opportunities.” 

Labor Commissioner Albert Bryan, Jr. acknowledged cuts to summer employment programs and other training efforts while noting the success of ongoing programs targeting youth development, job training, and employment initiatives. “We currently face a personnel shortfall, but continue making strides to assist the Territory’s families. Our efforts now are more important than ever.”

Pastor Carlyle Sampson of the Nazareth Lutheran Church on St. John advised on efforts underway with the community’s faith-based leaders to align Council goals and initiatives, such as early childhood education and care counseling. Sampson acknowledged the generosity of the community in providing donations to assist church programs. 

Family Connection Director Ellie Hirsh provided recommendations on behalf of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC) on collaborative projects with the Departments of Education, Health and various medical centers to increase awareness of health services available to children and families. Hirsh also highlighted the “Parent Café,” which brings parents together to discuss the challenges of parenthood and to strengthen relationships in families throughout the community. 

“The fact remains that families often need a safety net to assist day to day survival, especially in a challenging job market. These are tough times, and none are more affected than the most economically vulnerable. Even though budgets are stretched, the hope is to continue to provide the supports so that no one slips through the cracks,” the first lady stated. 

On Friday, Council members also pledged to work with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) group to further guide the Territory’s goals and priorities in reducing the number of families with minor children living in poverty. The VI Government has pledged to reduce poverty in the Territory 50% by 2020. 
Additionally, three student members of St. Croix Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council delivered presentations on efforts to build a bridge between the Territory’s youth and adult populations, including those in leadership, to facilitate a wider platform for youth issues and perspectives. Student presenters included: Denisha Emmanuel, Leslie Hamdorf, and Kemit Sweeney. The Youth Advisory Council seeks to address and support the healthy development of children and the community in total.

“Community partnership efforts continue to provide pathways forward, especially given the challenges born as a result of the economic downturn and consequent budget reductions,” the first lady concluded.