A Message from Meredith Egan, COO of United Way of Indian River County:

The Children’s Trust Exploratory Committee supports the County’s staff recommendation to the Board that they defer consideration of a referendum for the Children’s Trust of Indian River County. The world has changed dramatically since the February 25th workshop and we agree that the highest priority for our county right now is addressing the immediate impacts of COVID-19.

We take heart in the great progress that has been achieved by working together as a community over the past several months. We are deeply grateful for the engagement and work of our community leaders and stakeholders. We are also profoundly appreciative of the time and attention our county commissioners and county staff have dedicated to this important initiative. Because of these combined efforts, a viable solution to the identified community need for adequate and sustainable funding for children’s services is within reach.

We believe that a Children’s Trust will be all the more relevant and necessary as we move through this crisis, plan for our future, and invest in a strong and healthy community. The foundation is in place for us to continue this conversation in a meaningful way at the appropriate time. For so many reasons, we look forward to that day.