KITTERY

In June of 1998, Kittery signed on as a Communities for Children partner community, and has since its inception, met regularly to begin assessing and addressing issues affecting Kittery children and families. Prior to the establishment of the KCLC, there tended to be a great deal of competitiveness and issues around turf, which led to significant duplication of services and decreased the effectiveness of any one program.

Current members of the Kittery Children's Leadership Council include the Kittery Recreation Department, the Community Wellness Coalition, the Rice Public Library, York Community Action Corporation, the Children's Center of Kittery, schools, clergy, and several parents and community residents. Each brings to the table valuable experience and expertise in their given area, contributing to a strong team speaking a common language, sharing resources, and working toward a shared vision of well-being among our community youth and families.

Many of the KCLC members, through their affiliation with the organization, were invited to partner with the Community Wellness Coalition of Southern York County on the Community Asset Builders Project. This project assists partner agencies to identify, develop, and implement programs and services that support the Five Fundamental Resources of America's Promise. Funds that support the project have been awarded to the Community Wellness Coalition, and then are distributed to partner agencies to support specific programs and services. Since the CAB Project began, over $75,000 has been distributed to Kittery service agencies.

It was clear from the outset that a lack of information regarding available programs and services hindered effective delivery of services in this community. In September 2000, the Kittery Children's Leadership Council developed a comprehensive, detailed resource directory for the community, listing programs and services available by need. Over 2000 directories were distributed, and they continue to be available on a request basis.

In addition to the resource directory, the KCLC developed a survey to be distributed through the schools and other local sites, in order to more clearly define its role and activities in the community. The purpose of the survey was to gauge the perception of community connectedness and well being in Kittery.