DeSantis announces school program under Hope Florida initiative

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis have announced an initiative by the Florida Department of Education, piloting a program within selected school districts. This program aims to appoint and train a Hope Florida Liaison in each school. The role of these liaisons is to connect students, parents, and staff with Hope Florida resources, assist families in contacting a Hope Navigator when needed, and link local community organizations with the Hope Line to provide support.

"Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis and I were proud to announce that the Florida Department of Education is piloting a program that identifies and trains a Hope Florida liaison in select schools," Governor DeSantis stated. He emphasized the program's potential for helping students and families overcome challenges through connections with nonprofit, private, and faith-based sectors.

First Lady Casey DeSantis remarked, "The Governor and I were proud to be in Lake County today to continue the good work of Hope Florida and announce Hope Florida’s pilot program to train liaisons." She highlighted that these resources aim to give parents and children a direct line to hope.

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. expressed his support, noting, "Hope Florida is an incredible resource for Florida families." He pointed out that the expansion supports both short-term and long-term educational outcomes, applauding the leadership of the Governor and First Lady.

Hope Florida began its operations at the Department of Education in October the previous year with Hope Navigators focusing on services for families, particularly those with children aged 3-5 who have unique learning needs. The services include connecting these families with evaluations and resources for educational success.

Spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis, Hope Florida collaborates with various community sectors to guide individuals toward economic self-sufficiency. The program has referred over 120,000 Floridians, with 30,000 reducing or eliminating public assistance reliance, saving $108 million in taxpayer money in a year, with future savings estimated at over $1 billion in the next decade.