ENTF

The Kent County Essential Needs Task Force is also provided financial and in-kind support by:

Heart of West Michigan United Way

Department of Human Services

Coordinating Committee

Purpose

Assessment of community needs, overall publicity and long-range planning..

The Coordinating Committee, providing ENTF leadership from government, human service and faith-based sectors met May 28, 2008 to review accomplishments, basic needs demands and approve proposals for action that helps Kent County’s most vulnerable build self-suffiency.

The Committee endorsed Subcommittee 2008-2009 work plans and made the following recommendations:

The Coordinating Committee strongly endorsed a proposal made by the Leadership Committee to change the E in ENTF from Emergency to Essential. This wording change recognizes and supports the continuing movement by the Subcommittees and in the community towards giving a hand up further in front of a hand out. The Coordinating Committee additionally recommended that the ENTF self-sufficiency development work begun during the last year be continued sensitively and with a proactive focus.
In expanding community awareness of local anti-poverty work: increase focused public education, information and advocacy; publish local well-being metrics and offer more opportunities for participation in service and learning experiences like the Poverty Simulation and volunteer opportunities.
Develop initiatives supporting local systems which encourage self-sufficiency like 211, transportation and other ENTF work.
Work for speedy implementation of this year’s recommendations to quickly build community awareness of local needs and push momentum that anticipates growing state and national emphasis on the anti-poverty focus.