SCOPE news of interest...

COMMUNITY ASSEMBLY ON AGING LEADS TO NEW IDEAS

Many thanks to the Senior Friendship Centers, Inc. for hosting SCOPE's first Community Assembly on April 9th. Over 100 people from Sarasota County came together to engage in a series of conversations that helped identify topics they were passionate about—topics like transportation, housing, employment, and health. They came up with ideas that could transform the way these and other issues impact the lives of Sarasota County residents. Now, SCOPE is ready to move from discussion of the possibilities to making those possibilities a reality. You are invited to be a part of this action because we know you care about this community. Working with the fresh ideas generated by people from Sarasota County just like you, you have an opportunity to make a difference. If you agree to participate, your choice to be involved in the next step means that you will become part of an action team and work with others who share similar passions. In the action teams, you will be asked to learn more about the topic and to use that knowledge to move the ball forward over the next four months before the next Community Assembly. Along the way, SCOPE will support your efforts and endeavors by connecting you with appropriate research and resources to aid you in your goals.
For an overview of the possibilities and promises made at the assembly and a list of meeting dates and times, please check out SCOPE’s website at www.scopexcel.org or call Suzanne Gregory at (941) 365-8751.

SCOPE RECOGNIZED FOR WORK IN RACE & CULTURAL RELATIONS

SCOPE was presented with an award at the Annual SOAR (Sarasota Openly Addresses Racism) Symposium on April 8th. Since beginning work on the issue of Race and Cultural Relations last fall, SCOPE has been bringing new tools to the community to address race-related issues as well as widening the table where possibilities for our community are discussed. SCOPE staff and volunteers are working in several domains such as raising awareness and economic issues to find ways of eradicating racism from our county. SCOPE is very appreciative of the award and looks forward to a continuing relationship with SOAR and other community members.

FAMILY VIOLENCE TASK FORCE MEETS WITH FVAC

On Thursday, April 21, SCOPE staff and volunteers attended the Family Violence Advisory Council (FVAC) meeting on Thursday, April 21. Terri Ritter from the Courts and Law Enforcement domain reported that they have begun research regarding Family Violence Courts. The group discussed its annual report to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) which will include a recommendation that the BCC dissolve the council. This will allow the current council to evolve into a new group which will be able to implement both SCOPE's and the FVAC's recommendations.

FAITH COMMUNITY POSITIONS ITSELF TO ERRADICATE FAMILY VIOLENCE

For the first time ever, faith leaders from a multitude of religions, from Christian and Jewish to Muslim and Buddhist, will join to discuss ways the faith community can work together to eradicate family violence from Sarasota County. On May 6th, leaders from over 100 faith organizations will meet for breakfast to discuss the issue. Stay tuned for an update…

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION MONTH

Each year, communities across the country plan activities to raise awareness and promote understanding abount the issue of people with mental illnesses. The local chapter of NAMI (the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill) convened a broad partnership of mental health service providers and community organizations like SCOPE.
The calendar of events is now available on SCOPE’s website www.scopexcel.org.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY WITH SCOPE STATS

What minority group has the most people? How much more are Sarasotans driving now than 10 years ago?
What is the median age in my neighborhood? How much do you know about the numbers of Sarasota County? SCOPE is looking for groups to present its newest data reports – People Count: Race and Ethnicity, the Community Report Card, and People Count. Call SCOPE to schedule a presentation of our reports to your board of directors, staff, neighborhood association, church group, civic organization, social club, homeowners’ association, or professional organization. For answers to the questions above, click on ‘Community Tools’ on www.scopexcel.org.

JUNE EVENT REMINDERS

Just a brief reminder that in June, SCOPE will host its 5th Annual Meeting at the Venice Little Theatre (VLT), sponsored by VLT, Michael Saunders and Company and Michael’s on East. The SCOPE Communications Committee is working on a very special project for this upcoming event, including a video produced by Bruce Rogers of the Hermitage. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for June 16th, 5:30 pm for an unforgettable evening with SCOPE. Also in June, SCOPE will be hosting an art exhibit in the lobby of the Center for Arts and Humanity, with an opening reception open to the public on June 3rd. Please RSVP by May 31st to attend by calling 365-8751.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

A very special thank you to the Sarasota Police Department for becoming a SCOPE Community Steward with its $2,500 donation. In addition to its financial contribution, the department has been a champion in collaborating with SCOPE’s Mental Health Task Force on providing Crisis Intervention training (CIT) to its law enforcement officers. CIT is a recommendation of the SCOPE Mental Health Report and is a program that trains officers to deal with mental health crisis.