Candidate: Helen Viviane Henderson

I am an educator, criminal justice professional, mother, and first generation American. I am proud to live in St. Lucie County, and I am running for County Commissioner in District 4 to ensure our county thrives for all of our residents. I have the experience and skills necessary to bridge the gaps between agencies, elected representatives, and community members. My lived experiences allow me to relate to our community members, and I am committed to being a transparent representative that invites our community to collaborate and work with the Commission to make St. Lucie County an incredible place to live, work, and play for everyone.

Although the issues our county faces are laid out separately, I recognize that they intersect. We cannot expect to grow our job market without protecting our environment, improving our schools, building and improving our infrastructure, etc.  My background in education ensures that I won't miss the forest for the trees. I know that if we remain community strong, we can achieve great things!

About Helen Henderson (www.votehelen2018.com):

My parents came to this country with a dream of a better life for themselves and their children. I have been fortunate throughout my life to have a loving and supportive family, strong models and mentors, and incredible opportunity – my story is the American Dream in which so many people continue to dare to believe. As a mother and educator, I work daily to empower those around me and to give back as much as I can to help others realize their own dream. I am proud to have touched the lives of many area residents through my work as an educator, and I will work relentlessly for the citizens of St. Lucie County on the issues that matter most to them. St. Lucie County has many strengths, but none are stronger than our community. When we work together, we will accomplish great things.

Education:

State University of New York at Albany, MA (Criminal Justice)

Bethune-Cookman University, BS (Psychology), BS (Criminal Justice)

Affiliations:

Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

Current Position:

Chair, Departments of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security at Keiser University (2006-present)

Past Positions:

Former United States Pretrial & Probation Officer

Former Department of Children and Families Investigator and Case Manager

Former Employee of the Department of Juvenile Justice

Volunteer Experience:

Mustard Seed, local Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Sexual Assault Response Team

Priority Issues:

Environment

Our environment is our lifeblood -- literally and figuratively. As a Commissioner, I will fight to protect St. Lucie County's natural resources. This means that I will work with lawmakers, business owners, and citizens to make changes that promote decreased use of single-use plastics, increased use of solar power, land preservation projects, and of course, doing everything possible to protect the quality of our land and water. From farm lands to the Indian River Lagoon, we have a lot of work to do. I am up to the challenge of being the advocate we need when it comes to environmental issues. When our environment thrives, so do we. 

Living Wage and Jobs

As a first generation college student, I know what it is like to have to find your own way. I completed my degrees while working to make ends meet. I understand the benefits and burdens of student loans, and I am committed to making St. Lucie County a place where residents can pursue their own dreams in school and begin their career. Unfortunately, according to the United Way ALICE data, 71% of households with children in Fort Pierce and 40% of those in Port St. Lucie do not earn enough money to live securely. Furthermore, nearly 60% of births in St. Lucie County are funded by Medicaid, indicating that employment and income are issues for many new parents in our county. As a Commissioner, I will fight for small businesses, advocate for workers rights and fair wages, and continue to draw new educational opportunities and jobs to our area. I also will champion transportation and infrastructure projects that will support employment and commerce across the county. I will work hard to ensure that all St. Lucie County residents earn a living wage and have the support needed to pursue their own American dream!

Contact:

Helen Henderson

www.votehelen2018.com

helenhenderson2018@yahoo.com