Strategic Plan 2025 - 2028
VISIONARY
VISIONARY
The Power of HOPE Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences
A plan is only worthwhile with a profound purpose and bold drive to succeed. With our new three-year strategic plan, we once again intentionally set a brilliant, challenging vision that tests our mission and character.
Our strategic plan is informed and designed by the diverse needs and views of our people: the Center for Child Counseling board, leadership, therapists, staff, administrators, funding partners—and most importantly, the children and families we serve—because no vision can be attained without the inclusion and ownership of each contributing member.
The focus areas and goals for achievement from now through 2028 are presented with clear objectives that will further shape us as an organization of transformative vision and change. The families we serve and the organizations we train will develop into trauma-informed communities that promote HOPE for children and adults for generations to come.
Read our blueprint for the future through this overview of our plan.
HOPE is a strategy. Without it, we give in, give up, and believe this world is good enough for our kids.
Visionary
This is who we are and what we believe.
Center for Child Counseling is building the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children, families, and communities.
We envision resilient, thriving children in healthy families and safe communities.
Our values are born from love, family, opportunity, and ingenuity.
WeBelieveIn:
AWayofBeingwithChildren
The open and trusting nature of children is precious, calling us to nurture and respond to their needs through informed and thoughtful choice of our actions and words.
AHOPE-InformedFocus
We work to understand, prevent, and heal the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma on children’s health and relationships, building communities of awareness, equity, and action to promote positive childhood experiences (PCEs) and relational health.
FightingontheFrontline
We pledge to support children in their most vulnerable moments as trusted first responders to family and community crisis.
HealingandResilience
We exist to bring healing to children and generations of families, building their resilience and strength to end cycles of trauma; likewise, we promise to care for our healers in their dedication and service to others.
ModelingSuccess
Our goal is to deliver success to our community and others through teaching, training, and replication of a proven pproach to preventing ACEs and trauma.
RelentlessInitiative
Center for Child Counseling is shaping the field by encouraging forward-thinking and out-front leaders who ransform our practice with intelligence, heart, and integrity.
OUR EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
avisionforasupportiveenvironmentyieldingextraordinaryprofessionals
We hold a vision for exceptional support and success for employees of Center for Child Counseling.
We promise to invest in the potential of each team member, actively listen to and recognize their leadership, care for them as individuals with personal lives and priorities, and strengthen their abilities through training, opportunities, and shared accountability.
Our Primary Objectives:
DevelopCFCCUniversity
Implementacomprehensive trainingplan.
Our employee investment includes a robust learning environment with live and on-demand training opportunities. Our CFCC University and employee annual learning plans will create the path for continual growth and job satisfaction. Reflective, clinical, and administrative supervision include ongoing coaching and support.
EnhanceEmployeeRecognition
UpdateCFCC’semployee recognitionprogram.
Our employees are on the frontlines of a youth and parent mental health crisis. We recommit to celebrating their achievements through ongoing recognition.
PromoteStaffWellness
Implementarobustwellness initiative.
Our employees will engage in regular wellness retreats, promoting self-care and well-being. Our benefits package will include generous paid vacation and leave, allowing employees to disconnect and rejuvenate. Targeted training and tools will prevent burnout due to the high-demand and stress of our work.
ImproveCommunication
Implementarobustplanforinternal communication.
Continue to implement a formal schedule of staff meetings, management retreats, and planning sessions to address strategic plan areas of focus, continuous quality improvement, and the overall employee experience.
InnovationinTechnology
Leveragetechnologytosupport efficiencyandeffectiveness.
We commit to continually assessing and implementing cutting-edge technology to improve workflow, quality, and employee experience, including regular updates to our Data Dashboard. We will conduct research for a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) that reduces redundancy and enhances the clinical documentation experience.
ImprovePerformanceManagement
Implementacompetency-based model.
Full implementation of our HR Dashboard will improve the overall employee experience, from onboarding to performance evaluation.
EnhanceOurCulture
Continuetocultivateand maintainouruniqueculture. We commit to continually seeking employee feedback to define our culture and growth. Our vision is bold, and our passionate staff are at the core of our success. Ongoing evaluation, feedback, and communication is critical for our ongoing success and impact.
EnhanceEmployeeDiversity
Continuetobuildaworkforce thatreflectsourcommunity. We commit to continually seeking and developing employees who reflect the diversity of the children and families we serve, including language and culture.
Our strategic motto is OWN IT!, incorporating an inspiring employee campaign utilized in our messaging and communications. Our culture is developed with intention to retain its unique and supportive character and insight where staff is empowered to own their part and responsibility in the success of the whole team, organization, and our vital mission. Team members are engaged through the sharing and recognition of their work with clients in reflection, stories, and contributions.
We will maintain clear and reciprocal communication between staff and leadership, value the career growth and path of each person and position, promote listening through regular staff satisfaction and engagement surveys, and use every creative means to support and acknowledge work well done..
Ourvisionforsuccess: creatingacultureof individualandteam ownershipofgoals.
Healing the Healers
Creating Happy, Healthy Healers and a Happy, Healthy Workforce
Weacknowledgethepersonalsacrificethatispartofourchosenprofession.Whenconfrontedwiththelevelofstressandtrauma overwhelmingourchildren,families,andcommunity,itiseasyforfrontlinestafftogrowtiredandburdened.Sometimeswecarrythis burdenwhileworkingthroughourownpersonal,professional,orsocietaltraumas.
Wepromisetocareforourown,supportingeachotherwithpriorityandpurpose.Wewilllook outforoneanother.
Wewillrecognizeandhonorwhentimeandhealingisnecessaryforpractitionerstobe availabletohealothers.
Wewillprovidehumanandprofessionalresources,development,andprogramstoensurethe highestlevelofqualitycareforourstaff.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS
avisionforbuildingHOPE-informedcommunities
We share a vision for creating HOPE-aware and trauma-informed adults who live and work with children. They will be able to recognize and stop childhood trauma and abuse in its tracks, promote positive childhood experiences and environments, are part of the healing process, and ensure children grow healthy in mind and body.
Our Primary Objectives:
Expandpartnerships tosupport
ourmissionandimpact.
Growing strong, mutually valuable relationships is central to our vision. These include deeper partnerships with corporations and family foundations and formal agreements with aligned community organizations.
Enhancepromotionofour organization:tellourstory. We will humanize our work through stories that engage and connect with our various communities, including the sharing of information within our annual impact report, events and outreach, educational series, vision plans, and social media. We will continue to enhance our public relations and branding to support internal and external communication efforts.
Deepenengagementwithkey stakeholders:ourdonors, funders,partners,andfamilies. Enhanced engagement is reliant on annually updated Development and Communications Plans to guide our efforts. Detailed internal and external plans will be executed by a growing team of development, marketing, and communications experts to support our public health approach, resources, and awareness efforts.
Implementrobustambassador andoutreachprograms.
Our staff, Board, and volunteers hold many gifts and talents. To optimize roles and satisfaction, we will continue to enhance internal communication efforts, including multimedia mission and program education. Ambassadors will be identified to increase promotion and outreach through social media, blog articles, videos, and community workshops. We will enhance opportunities for staff to represent CFCC at partner events, health fairs, and professional networking experiences. Ambassadors will have access to a rich array of marketing materials to promote events, services, and programs.
Maximizetheutilizationof socialmediaforeducation, awareness,and storytelling. We will maintain a highly-engaged social media practice that places the focus of messaging, video, images, and sound around the compelling and moving stories of the children, families, and comunitiies we serve. We will share educational content that expands awareness to support child and family mental health and wellness. We will engage the interest and talent of staff who enjoy and excel in social media to help expand content and reach.
Visualizing HOPE through the life of one child.
MeetElio
Heisborninatrauma-informedcommunity, surroundedbyadultstrainedtounderstand andrespondtochildrenandfamilieswhen theyexperiencecrisis.
Community
Eliogrowsstrongunder thecareofHOPEinformed adults in his life. As a young attorney, he fightsbesideotherleadersto createpoliciesthatprotect children,givingbacktothe communitythatraised him
Neighborhood Elioactsoutatothers gettingofftheschoolbus. Hisneighborhoodpolice officerknowsElioisgrieving thelossofhissister.The officer is a safe and caring figure in his life who helps buffer Elio’s feelings of stress
School
Elio’steachersunderstandheisin traumaafterhissisterdies They providehimcareandtimetodealwith fearandanger,reinforcingtheresiliency skillsheislearningthroughtherapy
CommunityHealth
Momsufferspost-partum depressionbutisconnected tothesupportsheneedsto make Elio feel safe and secure as his growing brain develops.
Home
Elio’s sister falls ill, and his parents are forced to work extra jobs to care for her Elio learns to manage his emotions with online therapy, while Mom and Dad receive parenting support
Prevention
Fighting ACEs through HOPE
Center for Child Counseling’s research and publication of A Public Health Approach to Fighting ACEs in Palm Beach County led our organization to assume a pivotal role in the prevention and mitigation of childhood trauma: as the growing authority on trauma training for adults who live and work with children and adolescents.
Opportunities to share the philosophy and methodology of Center for Child Counseling’s public health approach and programming grew abundant and necessary, especially following the pandemic, and resulted in the expansion of events such as Lead the Fight to a nationwide level, publication of a new A Way of Being with Children manual, focusing on kindergarten through grade 5, and building beKidSafe.org to expand access to on-demand education to keep children safe from abuse and exploitation.
Our Primary Objectives:
PrioritizeHOPE,ACEs,andtrauma educationandawareness.
A concerted effort through training, marketing, advocacy, and education will result in Center for Child Counseling leading local and statewide ACEs prevention efforts. Live and on-demand workshops, multimedia materials and resources, events, and consultation will expand impact. Increasing business and philanthropic engagement in the cause of promoting HOPE and preventing ACEs to create systems change and long-term sustainability.
Localandnationalpromotionof A Way of Being with Children.
A Way of Being with Children PreK and Kindergarten to Grade 5 manuals offer practical, insightful information, strategies, and activities for teachers, parents, and adult caregivers of children. Shifts in attitude, knowledge, and skills that foster positive relationships, behaviors, and resilience is at the core of our work. Targeted multimedia campaigns, materials, workshops, support groups, and on-demand education will increase skills of the adults who work and live with children.
ContinuetoEnhance beKidSafe.org.
Build our general and targeted ondemand content, tip sheets, and resources for parents, caregivers, and professionals to increase capacity to support child, parent, and family mental health, safety, resilience, and overall well-being.
In our relentless pursuit of prevention, we affirm that protection is paramount.
ACEs Theory of Change
Step 1: Know the Signs
EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND ACTION
RECOGNIZING the results of unbuffered Adverse Childhood Experiences is the first step in fighting ACEs.
When a child displays negative behaviors from trauma and abuse, we can offer positive, buffering help and experiences in response.
Our theory of change is designed to address the increasing level of trauma and mental health crises seen among our children and respond with an equal or greater amount of positive resources and support.
It is a blueprint for building HOPE and trauma-informed communities, starting right here at home.
Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences is the framework that built Center for Child Counseling’s ACEs Theory of Change.
ACEs Theory of Change
Step 2: Know Your Role
PREVENTION is PROTECTION against ACEs. Young children count on the adults in their lives to keep them safe.
IDENTIFYING a child’s needs and giving them positive support or connecting them to help and treatment is our greatest role in providing hope to avoid long-term damage to mental and physical health.
ACEs Theory of Change
Step 3: Support the Solutions
INTEGRATION of highly-trained adult caregivers and professionals throughout a child’s community fights ACEs in the places children need them most.
Educators, doctors, nurses, faith leaders, police, and the courts change the game when they receive targeted HOPE and traumainformed training.
Bringing the science to practice through a data-to-action approach is building the capacity of our entire community to promote healthy outcomes from positive experiences.
ACEs Theory of Change
Step 4: See the Success
THE ACES BATTLE CAN BE WON WITH HOPE.
When children grow up in a HOPEinformed community, they realize life-changing benefits: an end to generational cycles of trauma and abuse, ample buffering relationships and positive experiences, greater racial and cultural equity, and healthier emotions and behaviors.
This is what success looks like.
avisionfortransformativeservice
The Center for Child Counseling’s transformational delivery of programs, services, and support results from always considering children, adolescents, and families first—anticipating and meeting needs through a data-to-action approach to providing lifesaving care and resources, when needed most. We meet community needs by proactively removing systemic barriers to help, information, and support.
Our primary objectives:
Identifyopportunitiestoimproveclient experienceswithourorganization.
We will enhance the client experience by implementing the HOPE framework throughout the service experience, from screening and assessment to education and clinical treatment. Centralized intake and care coordination, warm handoff to internal and external supports, and building out a client portal in the data dashboard are priorities that will enhance service efficiency and effectiveness. Client feedback will be gathered throughout the service process, with planning for long-term feedback to assess the longitudinal impact of services.
Innovationintechnologytoenhancechild andfamilyoutcomes.
We will enhance the client experience and outcomes by implementing innovative, cutting-edge technology, including AI, mobile units, telehealth, and virtual learning to promote immediate access to information, resources, education, and care.
Expandvirtualservicesandoutreach.
Building on what we’ve learned, we will increase access to early intervention and treatment for more families through telehealth, virtual support groups, and on-demand education. We will maximize outreach efforts by constantly improving our virtual capability, balancing live (in person and virtual), on-demand, and hybrid options to expand access.
Ensureconsistentcustomerserviceis demonstratedwithallclientsand stakeholders.
Center for Child Counseling staff will be especially respectful and aware of our clients’ circumstances, following protocols to treat everyone individually and justly without assumption or unintentional aggression or additional trauma. Staff will receive ongoing training and supervision, reflecting on their own experiences, and use of a HOPE and trauma-informed equity lens in all aspects of our work.
Highlightorganizationandstaff informationforclients.
For the knowledge and comfort of our clients and the recognition of professional staff, we will emphasize the education, credentials and excellence of those providing care and support services through our website and data dashboard. We will use video tours of our offices and play therapy rooms to ease anxiety and stress before appointments.
Increaseearlyaccesstomentalhealth educationandcare.
To promote early intervention across communities, we will continue to develop the sustainability of integrated models of care, particularly in childcare, school, and primary pediatric care settings.
OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE
avisionforseamlessandstaff-supportiveoperations
A commitment to continuous improvement is not just about efficiency and performance, it’s about our culture. Every aspect of operations should provide the support and confidence team members need to feel great about their contribution to mission impact.
We don’t do this work because it’s easy; we do it because it makes a lifechanging difference for others, and ourselves.
Our Primary Objectives:
Continuallyassessneedforneworrevised policiesandhandbooks.
These steps will aid our successful practice and operations: regular updates and sharing of the Employee, CQI, and Emergency Preparedness Handbooks; new processes will be written into policy; policies will be reviewed and shared with staff regularly; and our Board of Directors will annually review and approve the updated policies.
The new HR portal in our Data Dashboard will enhance overall efficiency throughout the employment process. beKidSafe.org will be used for formal training on policies and procedures for staff, with regular reminders in The Buzz and on Teams so our practice aligns with our policies.
Provideregularopportunitiesforstaff feedbackto continuallyimproveprocesses andsatisfaction.
Our culture embraces staff sharing positive ideas and suggestions for improving the workplace. Criticism and feedback will be given and received in a safe space of honesty, respect, and good faith for the benefit of our organization. Feedback will be gathered monthly through The Buzz, giving staff the ongoing opportunity to proactively address concerns and provide ideas and positive feedback to make improvements.
Other formal feedback will be gathered through engagement surveys, exit interviews, performance evaluations, and annual renewal of the Employee Handbook forms. Weekly supervision and staff meetings are other opportunities to provide input.
IntegrateHOPEandTrauma-InformedEquityLens (TIEL)throughallaspectsofourworkculture.
This requires more than adopting a list of tasks, we are making a mental shift in everything we do every day to ensure equity for our staff and the families and communities we serve. We approach HOPE and TIEL as a cultural process rather than a destination. From policy to practice and training, we are committed to creating an equitable workplace that promotes healthy relationships, safety, and equity.
UseDataDashboardtomonitorandreportkey performanceindicators(KPIS)
Continuing our move toward a streamlined management system, we will offer regular training and communication on the Data Dashboard. Adding updated KPIs to the dashboard provides greater measurement capability.
our clients, our culture: REALIZE. RECOGNIZE. RESPOND.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
avisionforabundantandlastingmissionsupport
Funding is the framework of every organization serving a cause. The Center for Child Counseling mission entirely relies on our ability to remain financially secure. A healthy and sustainable budget also allows us to expand our services and reach and provides more freedom to pursue new goals and growth. We support and acknowledge our development staff and leaders, doing our part to contribute to this critically important and life-sustaining aspect of our work.
Our Primary Objectives:
Diversifyrevenuestreams.
The Board of Directors, leadership team, and development staff will continually steward and cultivate aligned opportunities in philanthropy, enterprise, and partnerships that increase and diversify our funding.
Createanengagedandactive boardinfundraising.
The Center for Child Counseling Board of Directors will continue to build a culture of giving, obtaining training and coaching as needed to strengthen their role and responsibility in the philanthropic endeavors of CFCC’s mission. Board relationships and connections will be leveraged to build a wider net of funding opportunities, including active participation in the Circle of Giving and events.
Promoteplannedgivingopportunities. Legacy giving will be promoted and pursued with greater emphasis, developing a robust and compelling new channel of philanthropy. Through the Circle of Giving, education and awareness about giving opportunities will be highlighted.
Growfinancialreserves.
A deliberate plan for increasing reserves for long-term sustainability will continue to be a focus.
GrowCFCC’sdevelopmentteamto maximzeindividual,corporate,and foundationsupport.
We commit to growing a diverse development team, focused on implementing our annual development plan. Sustainable growth to expand our public health model will include grant funding from local, state, and federal sources.
Fostering giving from individuals and private family foundations to sustain our long-term impact and sustainability is essential. Events, such as Lead the Fight, will provide the ideal opportunity to highlight our work, model, and impact.
Promoteunderstandingand adoptionoftheCenterforChild CounselingBusinessModel.
Our culture promotes all teams owning the business of making our nonprofit run successfully. Each staff member must recognize their part in our basic operations and their importance to our development, strength, and stability.
Our Sustainable Future
HOPE-Informed Equity Lens
At the foundation of our approach.
Our Goal:
Center for Child Counseling will advance equity in all services, ensuring every child and family we serve has access to culturally responsive, inclusive, and HOPEinformed care, focused on promoting positive childhood experiences across diverse communities.
Our policies, practices, and culture will ensure that staff from all backgrounds feel safe and supported, with equitable access to opportunities for growth.
ExpandCulturalCompetencyand ImplicitBiasTraining
Objective:
All staff will receive comprehensive training to build cultural awareness and reduce biases in delivering services.
Strategies:
Implement cultural competency and implicit bias training that includes realworld case studies and discussions. Partner with experts on racial equity, trauma, LGBTQ+, and cultural responsiveness to facilitate training and interactive workshops. Incorporate the HOPE framework in training to foster a strength-based, positive approach to addressing family and community diversity.
EnhanceLanguageAccesstoServices, Training,andSupport
Objective: Ensure all consent forms, educational materials, and resources are accessible in the preferred languages of the communities we serve.
Strategies:
Translate all forms, handouts, and educational resources into Spanish, Haitian Creole, and any other relevant languages based on the demographic data. Provide staff and community training on delivering services in multiple languages to bridge communication gaps. Utilize interpreting technology for sessions and consultations when needed.
IncreaseDiverseand
RepresentativeWorkforce
Objective:
Recruit, retain, and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.
Strategies:
Develop a recruitment strategy to attract staff from underrepresented groups, focusing on cultural diversity that reflects the families and communities we serve. Create mentorship opportunities to support diverse staff growth and leadership within the organization and within the mental health field.
Ensure job postings are disseminated to a variety of platforms, including those targeting BIPOC communities and multilingual professionals.
We commit to creating safe spaces where ALL children, adolescents, and families feel welcomed and supported.
Raising HOPE.
our vision for the future
A state-of-the art children’s mental health services and clinical training facility in the heart of Palm Beach County.
