In 2020, I spoke at the Worker’s Compensation Claims Professional (WCCP) Holiday Conference. It was another virtual event. Virtual is was just the way of our world in 2020. With the vaccine in deployment (x3), it is my strident hope that this community returns to normalcy in months to come.
I was called upon, at the conclusion of my presentation, to say just a few words about Kids Chance of Florida. I was moved by the opportunity. I enjoy reminding people that work injuries affect more than workers. They often impact families, sometimes profoundly. It was a recognition of this that drove the formation of Kids Chance of Georgia some 32 years ago. That spurred the birth of Kid's Chance of America more recently. It is moving to know that Kids Chance of America is now on track to establish an affiliate organization in its fiftieth state.
With the 50th state affiliate, the reality and impact of Kids Chance have been so successful. Successful? As of December 2020, this organization of various state affiliates has distributed 7,500 scholarships to deserving young people. The total distributed so far is over $24,000,000. This has been a phenomenal Kids' Chance of America effort, with an amazing assortment of volunteers. Yes, successful. That is an aggregation of the efforts of many people in many communities striving to make a difference; recognizing that the kids of injured workers face struggles.
Kids Chance of Florida is but one of the 50. It consistently strives to locate and identify viable scholarship applicants. It is surprising that finding students in need is such a struggle. However, various state affiliates report similar challenges. There is seemingly agreement across the country that more applicants are wanted.
The most effective tool for locating applicants is word of mouth. Certainly, there is social media, the annual awareness week each November, and the periodic display or sign at a conference. But the best manner to reach these deserving kids is for the community to remain aware that injuries impact families. If claims and risk professionals remain attuned to the potential for students in the families of significantly seriously injured workers, they can raise consciousness.
Claims and risk professionals can: (1) describe to workers that scholarship opportunities are available; (2) visit the Kids' Chance of Florida website or Kids' Chance of America website and refer a student anonymously. Age does not matter. The organizations will monitor and follow students, and then attempt to establish contact again as students reach high school.
Educational goals can be in a variety of pursuits. Kids' Chance of Florida is interested in students with aspirations for state college, university, and vocational school. The point is education, the goal is locating deserving kids who have been impacted by a parent or guardian's workplace injury. The organization's need is for you to help identify these students.
But, a little publicity never hurts either. On March 9, 2020, I am on the highway to Tallahassee, and the sun will not rise for hours. I am headed to a meeting of the Florida Cabinet at which a resolution will recognize these aspiring young people and their educational goals and success. The Cabinet recognizes that work accidents impact students and is helping to remind the public of that with a resolution. It is expected to be a quiet Capitol, with limited access due to COVID. But, it is The Florida Cabinet recognizing the kids. I am grateful to the resolution sponsor, CFO Jimmy Patronis, and all of the Cabinet for their focus on these outstanding young students. I am proud of these students and their academic successes in the face of adversity.
But, I am also cognizant that none of this would be possible without volunteers, ambassadors, and more locating the students and getting them to apply. Won’t you keep an eye open for a student with aspirations and goals? Make a referral! The class of 2021 is in their last semester of high school. This is an ideal time!
