Issue of the Month: Kent County KConnect

Ever since 2002 Kent County has been contributing nearly $2 M per year to Prevention Programs for human service issues in the County. This initiative is coordinated by the Kent County Family and Children’s Coordinating Council. Part of this annual funding commitment was that the Council conduct an evaluation of how effective this funding is for improvement in human service outcomes for children and families. Recently the Council decided to engage FSG, a nonprofit strategy and evaluation firm, to help develop a community-based ‘impact effort’. This effort is called ‘KConnect’. The Doug and Marie DeVos Foundation, the Steelcase Foundation, GR Community Foundation, United Way, and Kellogg Foundation all contributed funds toward this effort. The vision of KConnect is for.. “all children and their families in Kent County to enjoy meaningful and fulfilling lives by achieving self-sufficiency and economic security through high-quality education and community support. Fundamental to our vision is that we are committed to nothing less than closing the unacceptable achievement gaps for low income students and children of color, and increasing the achievement for all students from cradle to college and career.” The Council recently selected an Executive Director to lead KConnect and implement initiatives. For more information visit www.accesskent.com/KConnect. As KConnect unfolds I will keep you informed.