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32304 Prosperity For All Summit Tackles Poverty

Bill Proctor standing in dark suit and striped tie
leoncountyfl.gov

In a recent report from the Florida Chamber, the 32304 zip code, which covers central Tallahassee and Northwest Leon County, is  the poorest zip code in the state of Florida. 

Commissioner Bill Proctor is joining forces with non-profit organizations for the "32304 Prosperity For All" summit as part of an effort to find solutions to poverty. The summit highlights the story of people who are actively working to change their lives.

One of the speakers, Latisha Berry recently graduated from a 17-week, job placement counseling program.

She says, in the last two years, she's managed to change her life. 

“Being able to tell my story of how I come out of how I am coming out of poverty and being able to succeed and be successful in the careers that Im in, telling my story has given me an eyesight of things that I want to continue to do within our community,” says Berry

James Ollins, is a participant in “Ready For Work” Tallahassee—a reintegration program for ex-offenders. He served a 26-year prison sentence but is now on track to become a social worker.

“It brought to me the understanding that there are people out here who are really concerned about the prosperity of the citizens of Tallahassee and dressing it from its root and its really empowering to know that there’s someone and some people in organizations that are mindful of the needs,” he said

Non-Profit organizations and community members will continue their efforts at the next summit in June.