In Flagler County, the organization Flagler Cares is marking a significant decade of connecting residents to essential social services. Established in the aftermath of the Great Recession, its creation was spearheaded by Barbara Revels, then a county commissioner, who saw the dire need for support systems during economic hardships. With initial funding of $25,000 from a local hospital, Flagler Cares has since blossomed into a critical resource for the community. Currently, Revels serves as the vice president of the organization’s board, continuing her commitment to local welfare.
Under the leadership of CEO Carrie Baird—who has been involved since its inception in June 2015—the organization has grown to employ 17 individuals. Baird and her dedicated team, which includes Chief Clinical Officer Jeannette Simmons, Chief Operating Officer Rachael Gerow, and Chief Community Impact Officer Kristy Amburgey, have worked tirelessly to expand the services offered. Today, Flagler Cares provides a wide array of support, including Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORe), behavioral health programs, benefit assistance, screenings, referrals, and health insurance navigation, ensuring the community’s diverse needs are met.
Support from Community Partners
Throughout its journey, Flagler Cares has garnered substantial community support, particularly from AdventHealth Palm Coast and other local organizations. These partnerships have been instrumental in the growth and success of the organization. Recently, AdventHealth Palm Coast extended its support by contributing approximately $50,000 for the operations of the Flagler County Village, which has assisted over 1,360 people since its establishment in 2021. This hub of services, operated by Flagler Cares, offers crucial resources ranging from assistance with identification documents to mental health counseling and homelessness prevention.
Dr. Stephen Bickel, a prominent healthcare provider and benefactor, made headlines when he pledged $10 million over ten years in 2022 to help sustain Flagler Cares’ initiatives. The organization currently has an impressive budget of $2,589,000 for FY 2024-25, supported by generous donations from community members and organizations invested in improving local health outcomes.
Challenging Health Statistics
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. As of 2022, about 10-13% of Flagler County residents under the age of 65 were uninsured, slightly surpassing the national average. The primary care physician access also appears alarming, with a patient-to-doctor ratio of 1,890 to 1 reported as of 2021. Nevertheless, Flagler Cares is making strides to mitigate these issues while adapting to the growing population of Flagler County.
The organization recorded a commendable client success rate of 78.5% for fiscal year 2024-25, having assisted 789 individuals seeking help. Revels underscores the importance of collaboration and funding to tackle pressing community issues such as mental health, addiction, and homelessness. “There’s something to be said for it,” she notes, emphasizing the collective efforts needed to ensure sustained progress.
The Future of Community Support
As part of its ongoing mission, Flagler Cares recently launched LINC Flagler Volusia, a collaborative multi-agency data system designed to streamline service referrals among over 30 community organizations. Additionally, with the recent rollout of new recovery services and outreach under the CORe initiative, the organization is setting a robust framework for addressing substance misuse in the area, partnering with local entities such as Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services and Flagler County Fire Rescue.
Residents can access many of these services at the Village, which operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at City Marketplace, located at 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B302 in Palm Coast. A “no-wrong-door” approach ensures individuals find the resources they need, reinforcing the mission of Flagler Cares, to create a supportive and healthy community.
For more information on the services provided by Flagler Cares and to stay updated on community initiatives, visit their website at www.flaglercountyvillage.org.
To learn more about Flagler Cares‘ milestones and achievements over these ten years, check out AskFlagler, while insights into their collaboration with AdventHealth can be found at AdventHealth. The future looks bright as Flagler Cares continues its essential work, but community involvement and support are crucial to keep the momentum going.
Lastly, for those interested in funding opportunities for health and community services, explore the upcoming deadlines outlined at AAMC Health Justice.