Our History and Vision
History
The Kent County Essential Needs Task Force (ENTF) was formed in 1982 in response to the struggles that people living in Kent County residents were facing to meet their basic needs. ENTF focuses on system change with an emphasis on collective impact and the interconnectedness of all systems.
Mission
We advance equitable outcomes for all people in Kent County within the systems of transportation, food and nutrition, energy efficiency, economic and workforce development, and digital inclusion.
Vision
We envision a bright, prosperous future where systems are people-centered and ensure equitable access to opportunities, tools, networks, and resources to meet current and emerging needs for all people in Kent County.
Values
Collaboration
We believe we are stronger together than apart. We seek to create space where all people in Kent County can bring their full selves and share their perspectives. We value aligning systems to build a more cohesive network of essential needs organizations.
Accountability
We are answerable to one another for how we work together toward our shared vision. We engage in curiosity-driven dialogue and embrace discomfort. We examine our methods and results. We combat systems of white supremacy, socio-economic class, and other forms of discrimination. We are responsive to our community and commit to holding decision makers accountable to equitably addressing essential needs.
Equity
We acknowledge that systemic discrimination is embedded throughout our essential needs systems, resulting in both disparate access and outcomes. We are committed to confronting this legacy and current forms of oppression. We must listen to and amplify the voices of people who are still excluded from positions of power. We believe that justice must be realized through equity.
Transformation
We value systems change to address the causes of inequities in our community. We recognize that essential needs have been addressed through an enduring emergency response; these traditional charity models are not working. We support transformative strategies that help individuals achieve long-term household stability.
Action Areas
Connecting
We support stakeholders in building and strengthening relationships, partnerships, and collaborative efforts.
Community Learning
We build capacity, confidence, and leadership among partners and community members.
Data and Understanding
We build knowledge of the community’s current state using data, diverse experiences, and intentional storytelling.
Collaboration
We believe we are stronger together than apart. We seek to create space where all people in Kent County can bring their full selves and share their perspectives. We value aligning systems to build a more cohesive network of essential needs organizations.