chamber for good

TOMORROW’S RAINBOW, COCONUT CREEK

CORAL SPRINGS AND COCONUT CREEK ARE FULL OF OUTSTANDING NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY IN SO MANY WAYS.

The cities of both Coral Springs and Coconut Creek are full of outstanding non-profit organizations that benefit our community in so many ways. The Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce has implemented “Chamber for Good” a program sponsored by Blue Stream, Cleveland Clinic Florida and the City of Coconut Creek. Chamber for Good connects our community’s nonprofits to those that can help them with their volunteer needs, funding or other methods of support. During these meetings, non-profits are able to get recognition as well as advice from seasoned leaders in the non-profit industry. They are able to get their name out into the community and reach the decision makers that can assist them. For instance, you may have heard of the Do The Right Thing (DTRT) program! The Do The Right Thing (DTRT) program, is a community based initiative which brings the Coconut Creek Police Department together with our community, local businesses, local schools, community organizations, city recreational centers, and most importantly, our youth. For those native animals that are badly injured, The Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital provides excellent care and educational opportunities to the public. Tomorrow’s Rainbow is an organization that helps children who have lost a parent, providing emotional support to those that need it the most. Florida’s Children First was founded by child advocate attorneys from around the state who have been fighting their own individual battles on behalf of children at risk. But the new organization allows those efforts to be coordinated, strengthened and built into a powerful force. The advocates each have their own specialties and together are ideally positioned to effect real change. Career Placement at Atlantic Technical College (ATC) is a work-study transition service designed to enable students with disabilities to identify career options, access community resources, and meet industry standards for entry level employment. Additionally, Florida Singing Sons provides high-quality music education and performance opportunities in three different choral ensembles for students in Grades 2-12. The mission of Florida Singing Sons is to foster the musical knowledge, education and vocal training of its members through performances and community events and to provide the community with a source of pride in the talent and professional achievement of its youth. Junior Achievement’s volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12th grade programs foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential. There are so many organizations that are in need of volunteers, funding & supplies. If you would like to list your non-profit or learn more about your community’s non-profits, please visit http://chamberforgood.com/coralsprings or contact our office at 954-752-4242.

GOVERNMENT

Coral Springs is run by a city manager, selected by the five-member City Commission – who are elected by residents.

The City believes that customers come first, and it is that belief that resulted in a 92% customer satisfaction rating last year. Residents and businesses are asked for input annually so that city staff can develop a strategic plan for each fiscal year. Specific initiatives are developed in response to the priorities identified in the strategic plan.

The Coral Springs Police Department, accredited in both national and state bodies, has more than 300 employees – including sworn and civilian staff. The department works with the community in a variety of ways—from creating outreach programs for under-served youth, to free self-defense classes for all age groups to its Citizen Police Academy. The department was recognized by the State of Florida Chiefs of Police Association for its innovative community programming and receive the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Monument Award.

The Coral Springs Fire Department provides premier service to residents and is continuously searching for ways to improve, through training and by obtaining the best equipment and personnel. The department trains volunteers to be part of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a program where volunteers learn CPR, first aid and basic disaster management.

The fire department also serves the neighboring City of Parkland and is part of the Urban Search and Rescue Team. When hurricanes ravaged the Caribbean, specifically, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, our fire rescue professionals assisted were deployed to assist local emergency response teams.

In 2005, the county opened the Northwest Coral Springs Family Success Center, making it convenient for residents living in Coral Springs and surrounding cities to access their services. The center is a one-stop shop of social services information, referrals and services to assist individuals and families in setting goals, learning skills and accessing the services they need to build a stronger, healthier and self-sufficient family.