Mission Statement
The Division of Public Social Services & Community Resource Centers strives to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Escambia County. This is accomplished through the provision of a variety of community-based programs and initiatives that encourage participation of all Escambia County citizens. Partnerships with non-profit organizations, and other agencies that provide public social services/community-based programs are maintained, in an effort to provide efficient and quality services to the public.
- The grand opening of the Brownsville Community Resource Center was held on May 24, 2017.
- Chromebooks were placed in the Ebonwood and Brownsville Community Centers, in partnership with the Escambia County Department of Information Technology, as an enhancement to the Play Learn-Grow After School and Summer Camp programs.
- Job Readiness Workshops were held in Ebonwood, Lexington Terrace, and the Marie K. Young/Wedgewood Community Centers
- Back-To-School supplies were distributed, in partnership with GSI Recycling, for students participating in the Play-Learn-Grow Summer Camp Programs held at the Ebonwood Community Center.
- The Ebonwood Community Center Seniors Program continues to offer activities with senior citizens in mind. These activities include: arts and crafts, creative writing, book discussions and computer classes. The program also hosts healthcare programs, community outreach programs, recreation and fitness classes, as well free income tax completion and filing services.
- The Wedgewood Community Center Group, Inc., in cooperation with the Council on Aging of West Florida provide oversight of the Marie K. Young/Wedgewood Community Center Seniors Program.
- The Englewood Community Center in partnership with the Girl Scout Council of Northwest Florida, Inc., served as host for a local Girl Scout troop.
- Internet service was installed in Ebonwood, Marie K. Young/Wedgewood, and Mayfair Community Centers, and funded by the associations responsible for day-to-day operations.
Play, Learn, Grow After School Program
The Escambia County Play, Learn, Grow After School Program provides access to free, after school opportunities, by providing a supplement to assist the youth of Escambia County, both academically and through recreation. Its main priority is to assist in decreasing the school drop-out rate, through homework assistance and project-based learning, while providing a safe and fun environment for youth during after school hours.
- The Marie K. Young/Wedgewood Community Center hosted the Play, Learn, Grow After School Program, with a daily average of 25 participants
- The Play, Learn, Grow After School Program held its first Black History Month Program on Feb. 22, 2017. The program highlighted local and nationally-known African-Americans, with presentations by the program’s students.
- The Extra Mile/Str8-Up hosted its second After School Teen Program at the Dorrie Miller Community Center. Along with providing homework assistance, Extra Mile/Str8 Up continued its effort to assist youth in acquiring summer employment.
- “The Youth Connection” After School Program was hosted at the Ebonwood Community Center in partnership with Community Drug and Alcohol Council, Inc., GSI Recycling (snacks and materials), and the Ebonwood Homeowner & Neighborhood Watch Community Inc., (snacks and materials), with a daily program average of 27 students.
Play, Learn, Grow Summer Camp Program
The Escambia County Play, Learn, Grow Summer Program provides summer programming that focuses on the educational, social and recreational enrichment for school age youths who reside in Escambia County. The program provides a safe and structured environment that stimulates and encourages youths to continue learning in a fun and engaging manner during the summer months.
- Brownsville Community Resource Center was the host site for the Fourth Annual Play, Learn, Grow Summer Camp. The camp serviced a daily average of 102 participants and provided 5,956 meals, serving as a summer feeding site.
- Ebonwood Community Center, in partnership with Community Drug and Alcohol, Children’s Home Society, Oakcrest Elementary School (cafeteria and playground area), GSI Recycling (snacks and materials), and the Ebonwood Homeowner & Neighborhood Watch Community Inc., served as a host site for Play, Learn, Grow Summer Camp and Summer Feeding Program (snacks and materials). The camp serviced a daily average of 102 participants and provided 5,956 meals.