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The past fiscal year (FY) was both challenging and exciting for the Department of Human Services. We experienced an unprecedented demand for services due to the continued depressed economic conditions in Lee County. This year also began a transformation in available resources from State and Federal funders. While in FY09/10 the Department received the most grant money in our history due to Federal stimulus funding, we began to see those dollars decline in FY10/11 due to the Federal budget deficit and cuts being made to services and programs.

Awards Received for Fiscal Year:

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Awards Evaluation Panel selected The Bob Janes Triage Center/Low Demand Shelter as a recipient of their Community Health and Safety Program Excellence Award. This award recognizes local government programs or processes that demonstrate innovation, excellence, and success in the community's safety, health, and/or wellness, including enhancement in the quality of life for the disadvantaged. ICMA recognized the program at their 97th Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin September 18-21, 2011.

Major Accomplishments:

• The co-location of Veterans Services with Human Services, which improves collaboration and services offered to Veterans.
• The continued successful implementation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which provides for the purchase, rehabilitation, resale or rental of foreclosed single and multi-family housing units throughout Lee County.
• The implementation of a micro-enterprise grant program in partnership with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation and Goodwill Industries.
• The completion of the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program.
• The eligibility screening and intake of over 14,000 persons requesting emergency services without an increase in staff.

 

During the past year, it was not uncommon to see standing-room-only

with 50 households waiting for the doors to open at 8:00 a.m.

 

Photo compliments of News-Press.

 

These efforts could not have been accomplished without the support and oversight of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, County Administration, and the advisory committees who work with the Department such as the Community Human Services Council, the Partnering for Results Review Panel, the Neighborhood Associations, and the Community Action Agency/Neighborhood District Committee. The effectiveness of our service delivery is attributed to our dedicated team of professionals who are committed to providing high quality services. Staff continually look for ways to better respond to the demand for services and improve collaborations with other organizations. These individuals, along with the not-for-profit agencies the Department partners with, are to be commended for their service to the residents of Lee County.