Governor's Community Investment Award

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GAINESVILLE, FL - Florida's Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, The Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation (FJJF)Board and its Chairman Barney Bishop and Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Frank Peterman Jr. recognized the Alachua County Library District during the 14th Annual Governor's Community Investment Awards.  Four businesseswere recognized at a ceremony for their contributions to Florida's at-risk children. Since 1995, each Florida Governor and DJJ Secretary have recognized outstanding businesses from around the state thatwork voluntarily to reduce juvenile delinquency in Florida’s communities.

(Pictured Left to Right: Florida's Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, ACLD Administrative Services Director Shaney Livingston, ACLD Public Service Administrator Phillis Filer, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Frank Peterman, Jr.)

The Alachua County Library District High School Intern Program received the award for providing academic and workforce skills to at-risk youth. Students are assigned a mentor and work in different areas of the library for a 9-week session. Forty students have received job mentoring, money management, work expectations, life skills and work experience they will need to more effectively enter today’s workforce. One participant is now in graduate school studying library science. 

"The companies awarded today are an inspiring reminder of the good that comes from public-private partnerships," Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp said. "The Governor and I are grateful to each company for investing their time and resources, and for working with our state agencies, to make a difference for the youth of Florida. We share these businesses' commitment to helping at-risk children succeed, and we hope more Florida businesses will follow the example of those recognized today."

"The businesses being honored have given our children greater hope, and their communities a stronger foundation for success," stated Secretary Peterman. "The civic involvement with our at-risk youth demonstrated by these business leaders is key to building a brighter Florida for all citizens."

"The Board is proud to see the business community so active at the local program level,” said Bishop. "We congratulate these outstanding award recipients."

Youth programs and organizations from around the state nominated businesses that actively participated in supporting at-risk youth and/or the youth organizations that served those youth throughout 2009. A Nominations Review Committee was formed and selected the winners.