YOUR GUIDE TO GIVING OPPORTUNITIES BOOSTS THE IMPACT FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WORKING IN OUR REGION. BECOME A PART OF THE REGIONAL PHILANTHROPIC STORY BY FULFILLING THEIR GIVING BACK WISH LISTS.
ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK | BIG CAT HABITAT | BISHOP MUSEUM | BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES | CENTERSTONE | EARLY LEARNING COALITION | FAMILY PROMISE OF SOUTH SARASOTA IMPACT100 SRQ | MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION | SARASOTA ORCHESTRA | SAVE OUR SEABIRDS TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN | THE VENICE SYMPHONY | YMCA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
DONOR'S GUIDE TO GIVING
Our Wish List
$2,500 provides an annual Club Membership, giving one child complete access to out-of-school and summertime programs.
$1,000 enlists behavioral health professionals to provide individualized mental wellness sessions to those who need us most.
$500 empowers teens to actively participate in the community through leadership and civic engagement training.
$250 ensures all members have academic support to reach grade-level benchmarks in school.
$100 helps members earn A’s with academic supplies and tutoring.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES 3130 FRUITVILLE ROAD SARASOTA, FL 34237
941.366.3911 | BGCSDC.ORG
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES IS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADER IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, offering enriching out-of-school and summer programs for thousands of kids and teens, ages 6 to 18. For more than 50 years, the organization has empowered young people to reach their full potential through high-quality youth development programs that foster academic success, leadership, healthy lifestyles, and career exploration. FOR KIDS AGES 6-12, the organization’s awardwinning Great Futures Academy provides intensive instruction in key subjects like Reading, Math, and Science to help them achieve grade-level benchmarks and on-time grade advancement during the school year and avoid learning loss during the summer. The program also provides Club members with homework help, tutoring, educational activities, and project-based learning. TEENS AGES 13-18 can access nationally recognized programs at The Club, including opportunities to build their own businesses, serve as a voting member of a local board, and intern with an area business. Through leadership development, career preparation, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship, they build essential life skills, amplify their voices, and turn their passions into action—advocating for the causes they believe in. TOGETHER, WE
CAN HELP CLUB MEMBERS UNLOCK THEIR FULL POTENTIAL, foster meaningful change, and shape the future they envision. WE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE IMPACT FIRST-HAND. Join us for a private tour of one of our six Clubs to witness the mission in action and see how you can empower tomorrow’s leaders by investing in great futures today. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BGCSDC.ORG OR CALL 941-366-3911.
Centerstone
HOPE. HEALING. A PATH FORWARD. Mental health challenges touch us all. Whether it’s a friend, a loved one, or even ourselves, making the decision to ask for help isn’t easy. At Centerstone, we provide COMPASSIONATE, LIFE-CHANGING care for individuals and families struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. FOR NEARLY 70 YEARS, CENTERSTONE HAS BEEN A BEACON OF HOPE, offering therapy, addiction recovery, and social support for people of all ages. From outpatient counseling to inpatient treatment at our Behavioral Hospital and Addiction Center and community-based programs, our dedicated professionals ensure that everyone—children, adults, and seniors—has access to the help they need to heal and thrive. Each year, Centerstone serves nearly 110,000 people nationwide, including over 15,000 right here in Florida. With facilities in Manatee and Sarasota counties and across much of southwest Florida, we are DEEPLY ROOTED in the communities we serve. BRANDY’S STORY IS PROOF OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE. Living with bipolar disorder, she has relied on Centerstone for care and support for over 30 years. Thanks to compassionate treatment, she has built a FULFILLING LIFE as a mother and grandmother. “The people I deal with at Centerstone know me very well. They’ve always been more like a family to me. They’re genuine,” she says. Your support makes stories like Brandy’s possible. Together, we can ensure that no one faces mental health challenges alone. Join us in making a difference.
Our Wish List
$2,500 allows access to mental health/addiction care for individuals and families
$1,000 serves meals for patients in our behavioral hospital and addictions center
$500 provides medication for patients with little or no resources
$100 helps to provide art or play therapy supplies for a child recovering from trauma or abuse
Donate new books, art supplies, and playground materials for preschools
Sponsor professional development opportunities for early educators
Provide scholarships for aspiring preschool teachers
Partner with businesses to launch early literacy and family engagement initiatives
Volunteer for our Literacy Buddy pen pal program, preschool makeovers, and special events.
1750 17TH STREET | BUILDING L SARASOTA, FL 34234
ELCSARASOTA.ORG 941-954-4830
INFORMATION@ELCSARASOTA.ORG
Sponsorship by Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County; the State of Florida, Florida Department of Education's Division of Early Learning, and in whole or in part by Sarasota County Government.
AT THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF SARASOTA COUNTY (ELC), WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHILD DESERVES A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS. Our mission is to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond by making high-quality early learning experiences accessible and affordable for families in our community. Through strategic programs and community collaborations, we help shape the future by empowering our li lest learners from the start, ensuring they thrive by the age of five. ONE OF OUR CORE INITIATIVES IS THE SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM, which provides financial assistance to income-families seeking quality childcare. We also administer the state’s local Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, which offers free preschool to all Florida 4-year-olds, regardless of household income. Our Aspire Teacher Training Institute provides free, hands-on, year-round professional development to educators, including our pioneering REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM offering a free career launch to new preschool teachers and a free certification pathway to established teachers. WE ADDRESS THE COMMUNITY'S NEEDS by working directly with families, childcare providers, and community partners to eliminate barriers to early learning. Through parent engagement and outreach efforts, we connect caregivers with valuable resources to support their child's development. Events like Storybook Street enhance literacy and help build home libraries, while our annual Provider Conference reinforces our role as the central hub for early education training. Additionally, our partnerships with local chambers, fellow nonprofits and dedicated volunteers strengthen our commitment to fostering a connected community that prioritizes early learning and understands its lasting impact. QUALITY CHILDCARE IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS—when children have a strong start in life, families thrive, businesses benefit from a reliable workforce, and communities become more resilient. Investing in early learning creates a ripple effect that shapes a more prosperous future for all.
YMCA of Southwest Florida
FOR 58 YEARS, YMCA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA has strengthened communities by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other. Serving Manatee, Sarasota, Charlo e, Lee, DeSoto, Hendry and Glades counties, the Y operates ten facilities, two charter middle schools, four early learning academies and various summer camps and a erschool programs. THE MISSION OF THE YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. As an inclusive, cause-driven organization, the Y is commi ed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. BY UNITING PEOPLE FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND GENERATIONS, we ensure access to opportunities, relationships and resources for all to learn, grow and thrive. GIVING BACK AND SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS is at the heart of the Y. Meeting the emerging needs of our communities is where we are o en needed most. Our programs and services focus on areas of impact that help people achieve their goals and strengthen communities. From reducing senior isolation and fighting food insecurity to promoting health initiatives, preventing drowning, supporting grade-level reading and responding to disasters, the Y is commi ed to providing essential support where it’s needed most. WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES. By empowering young people, enhancing well-being and inspiring action, the Y drives meaningful change across Southwest Florida. WITH A STRONG PRESENCE AND PARTNERSHIPS, the Y doesn’t just promise but delivers lasting personal and social change. Partner with us and make a lasting impact.
Our Mission
Send a Kid to Camp: Support YMCA Summer Camp and give children the Best Summer Ever, creating lifelong memories.
Prepare Children for Kindergarten: Support YMCA Early Learning programs to equip kids with essential school readiness skills.
Create Healthy Families & Communities: Support YMCA Health Innovations for life-changing programs that promote wellbeing, fi ght chronic disease, and empower healthier lives.
Prevent Childhood Drowning: Support YMCA water safety and swim lessons, helping children develop life-saving skills to reduce drowning risks.
Fight Food Insecurity with the YMCA: Support the YMCA Food Program to ensure children and families have access to nutritious meals.
Together with our partners, we provide healthy solutions to end hunger in our community.
All Faiths Food Bank
Our Wish List
Host An Event amongst the original party animals and have a wild birthday party, holiday party, rehearsal dinner, corporate or milestone event!
Become A Member and be a part of the BCH family!
Donate towards animal care, habitat construction and park improvements.
Volunteer opportunities in gardening, educational tours, construction and more.
WHAT DOES SUMMER HUNGER FEEL LIKE?
For many children, summer is like an emptiness they can’t escape. More than 40,000 local students will need food this summer as they lose access to school meals. Since its inception 12 years ago, All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger has been our community’s strongest line of defense against child hunger. In 2024 alone, more than 35,000 local kids received nutritious meals during the summer months. Donations to the Campaign Against Summer Hunger through May 15 will be matched dollar for dollar to ensure our children have the nourishment — and hope — they need to thrive.
Big Cat Habitat
BIG CAT HABITAT CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION CENTER
provides a safe, loving and permanent home to over 300 animals spanning more than 60 species including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, birds and more. We welcome guests from around the world to visit, encounter, experience and fall in love with our animals year-round. We believe that educating our guests on the importance of conservation and species preservation can cultivate a deeper understanding of the vital connection between humans and animals. We encourage everyone to help save animals from extinction and inspire community action for a be er tomorrow with EDUCATION, CONSERVATION AND CONNECTION. Through our outreach team we share our knowledge and passion for animals in the community at schools, libraries, festivals and events.
The Bishop Museum Of Science and Nature
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE! This Museum boasts thoughtprovoking exhibits that are sure to ignite curiosity for all ages. From the Mosaic Backyard Universe to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, visitors can learn about natural history and space exploration and even help endangered manatees. The Bishop's Planetarium offers immersive space journeys, while special education programs fuel the local learning ecosystem. You can support The Bishop's mission to inspire future scientists and nature lovers by visiting and donating to the Museum. With your contribution, The Bishop can continue to offer educational experiences to visitors and students alike. Come experience the magic of discovery and exploration at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature!
THE BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE
201 10TH STREET WEST, BRADENTON, FL 34205 | 941.746.4131
FAMILY PROMISE OF SOUTH SARASOTA COUNTY helps Sarasota County children and their families overcome housing insecurity and achieve lasting self-sufficiency. We believe every child deserves a safe place to sleep and a stable home environment where they can thrive. THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS AND RISING COSTS OF LIVING are forcing many working families into homelessness or unstable living situations. THROUGH OUR BRIDGE HOUSING SHELTER PROGRAM, Open Door prevention and diversion assistance, Pathways Home transitional housing, and our affordable rental units, we provide emergency shelter, rent assistance, supportive services, and long-term housing solutions. WE MEET FAMILIES WHERE THEY ARE, walking alongside them with compassionate, personalized support to help them rebuild and succeed. YOUR SUPPORT PROVIDES HOPE, STABILITY, AND OPPORTUNITY TO OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED.
FAMILY PROMISE OF SOUTH SARASOTA COUNTY
JENNIFER FAGENBAUM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 850 COCKRILL STREET, VENICE, FL 34285 | 941-497-9887 X106
JF@FAMILYPROMISESSC.ORG | FAMILYPROMISESSC.ORG
Our Wish List
Le uce for feeding the rehabilitating manatees to promote recovery and weight gain. New educational interactives focusing on innovation, engineering, and discovery to engage multigenerational visitors.
Funding to ensure the development of Museum exhibitions and collections so that future generations can continue to learn from and appreciate our shared heritage.
Our Wish List
FPSSC needs donations to sustain vital programs, event sponsors for our 10th Anniversary Gala in October 2025, and Capital Campaign contributions to build more affordable housing. Every gift—of time, talent, or treasure—helps a local child sleep safely tonight and dream big for tomorrow.
DONOR'S GUIDE TO GIVING
Our Wish List
More women to join our mission and amplify our impact.
Nonprofits with big dreams— because we love funding gamechanging initiatives!
Businesses that champion all-volunteer, women-led philanthropy and want to keep Impact100 SRQ thriving by supporting operations, scholarships, and outreach efforts.
Impact100 SRQ
IMPACT100 SRQ: WOMEN WHO GIVE. GRANTS THAT CHANGE LIVES. What happens when a group of passionate women come together with a shared goal? Big things! At Impact100 SRQ, we believe in the power of collective giving—where every woman’s $1,000 donation combines to fund highimpact $100,000+ grants for local nonprofits. OUR MEMBERS GIVE, WE GRANT, AND NONPROFITS THRIVE BUT IT’S MORE THAN THAT. Our members also review grant applications, connect with local nonprofits, and vote to fund initiatives that align with our mission and community needs. Since our start, we’ve awarded millions in grants, fueling initiatives that upli families, protect the environment, support education, and more. Every woman gets a vote, every dollar makes a difference, and together, we are transforming our community in ways no one could do alone. JOIN US AND BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER! MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO ALL WOMEN WHO WANT TO MAKE AN IMPACT.
SRQ
Ringling College of Art and Design
FOR OVER 90 YEARS, RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN HAS BEEN A PLACE FOR THE WORLD’S MOST TALENTED EMERGING ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS. Here, we know that creative problem solvers require a unique environment to reach their full potential. To meet the needs of our growing community, Ringling College has launched the comprehensive campaign, Catalyst for Creativity. Together, we will focus on supporting students and faculty, expanding our campus footprint with the new Signature Academic Building, and engaging thousands through artistic and educational programs such as seven on-campus galleries, Sarasota Art Museum, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, TOWN HALL Speaker Series, and more. SO JOIN US! BRING YOUR CREATIVITY AND YOUR PASSION TO RINGLING COLLEGE AS WE INSPIRE, LEARN, GROW, AND CREATE.
RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN 1700 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL | SARASOTA, FL 34234 | 941-309-4733 GIVING@RINGLING.EDU | RINGLING.EDU
Areas of Focus
Igniting Creativity:
With support for student scholarships, we can remove the financial barriers and pave student’s paths to graduation. This allows Ringling College’s bright and passionate young people to turn their skills, talents, and dreams into active and impactful lives and careers.
Building Creativity:
Prominently located along North Tamiami Trail, Ringling College’s newest building will serve as a gateway to campus and as an iconic cultural signifier of Sarasota. It will house four high-tech academic majors, the Richard and Barbara Basch Gallery, Campus Welcome Center, and 6,000+ square foot event space.
Connecting Creativity:
Ringling College’s role in the community continues to expand as a leader, convener, and cultural partner. Additional investments are required to ensure that thousands of people from across our region have meaningful access to our artistic and educational programs.
Our Seabirds
SAVE OUR SEABIRDS is dedicated to the RESCUE, REHABILITATION, AND RELEASE of sick and injured wild birds throughout the Sarasota region. At our on-site AVIAN CLINIC, we provide critical medical care to birds in need, responding to over 5,000 DISTRESS CALLS EACH YEAR. Our BIRD WALK features approximately 100 NON-RELEASABLE RESIDENT BIRDS whose stories help educate visitors about avian conservation. We are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY DAY and offer FIELD TRIPS FOR ALL AGES, along with regular participation in community events. As a GOLD LEVEL CERTIFIED MEMBER OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL ECOTOURISM AND A TOP-RATED NONPROFIT ON CHARITY NAVIGATOR, we’re proud to connect wildlife care with public education.
Our Wish List
We are seeking volunteers to assist with daily operations, from guest engagement to wild bird rescues. We need funding for critical facility upgrades, including a new avian hospital and improved enclosures to better serve birds in need.
DONOR'S GUIDE TO GIVING
Our Wish List
Funding for scholarships to ensure all students have access to higher education.
Support for graduation costs, including cap and gown fees and ceremony expenses.
Funding for expanding our mentorship program to serve more students.
Take Stock in Children Manatee County
TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN OF MANATEE COUNTY (TSICM) is dedicated to transforming the lives of underserved students by providing mentorship, scholarships, and educational resources. Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education, guiding students from middle school to postsecondary success. Through our MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, we connect students with caring mentors in and around Manatee County who provide academic and emotional support. Our SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM offers scholarships to a end college or vocational school, helping students overcome financial barriers. By addressing gaps in education and access to higher learning, we empower students to achieve their potential.
JOIN US IN SUPPORTING THESE LIFE-CHANGING INITIATIVES AND CREATING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN MANATEE COUNTY
ANNE LEBARON, PO BOX 325, PALMETTO, FL 34220 ANNE@TAKESTOCKMANATEE.ORG MANATEETAKESTOCK.ORG | @TSICMANATEE
ENGAGING
READERS THROUGH STORYTELLING
— SERVING FAMILIES IN THE REGION
In Conversation
INNOVATION IN CHILDREN’S SERVICES
A CONVERSATION WITH PHILIP TAVILL, PRESIDENT & CEO OF CHILDREN FIRST
PHILIP TAVILL has been President & CEO of Children First, Sarasota County’s exclusive Head Start provider, since 1996. He obtained a baccalaureate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1989. He returned to Sarasota and was appointed Executive Director of the Loveland Center in 1991. Subsequently, at Case Western Reserve University, he earned a Master of Nonprofit Organizations from the Weatherhead School of Management and a Master of Science in Social Administration from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Mr. Tavill has worked in the human services field both in direct service and management capacities for the last 36 years. In 2022, Mr. Tavill received the Mandel School Alumni Association Nonprofit Leadership Award. Most recently, he was recognized with the Billy J. McCain, Sr. Excellence in Community Service Award from the National Head Start Association and the Sargent Shriver Community Service Award from the Florida Head Start Association for his impact in elevating excellence across the Head Start community.
WITH ALL THE IMPACTFUL EVENTS OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS, WHAT SPECIAL NEEDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES YOU SERVE AND HOW ARE YOU ADDRESSING THEM?
PHILIP TAVILL What we have seen is a surge in needs regarding behavioral health and mental health in children, families and staff. Think about a three-year-old who has experienced a hurricane.
How does she process the fear that she felt from the adults around her?
Think about how she processes that her home may have been without power like mine was for a week. How does that three-year-old process the disruption in routine, not coming to school and seeing her bestie and her loving teachers? Think about the teacher, the educator who works for us, who, as we went into COVID said,
“What’s going to happen to my job?” That staff member was dealing with, and you can multiply this by close to 200 staff, isolation, maybe getting this virus, the loss of a daily structure and the fear and anxiety about the well-being of her children from her classroom and their families. So, these are some examples around the behavioral and mental health impact. We realized actually, going back to
MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
a strategic board planning retreat in November of 2014, that while there are some really excellent agencies out there doing mental health work, behavioral health work, we needed to develop our own infrastructure. Our mental health specialists who work with our children, families and staff members have been just one of the ways that we have responded to this discord that has come from so many different areas.
WHAT SPECIAL PROGRAMS DO YOU HAVE THAT HELP CHILDREN AND FAMLIES NAVIGATE UNCERTAIN TIMES? I’ll start with something very tangible. We have our Families First Institute. These are courses that we o er to our families and the community, free of charge. We o er them in the evening, they’re very easy to get to because they’re at our sites where the parents bring their kids. We provide dinner for the family, free childcare and we have everything ranging from budgeting courses to a great course called Circle of Security facilitated by our mental health sta . It’s designed to teach how to become a better parent and how to build your own self-resilience. We have a class called Nurturing Dads about how to become a better father. That’s probably our most well-known class because we’re 25 years in on it. Those are very tangible ways that we help families develop emotional, financial and economic resiliency. All of our curriculum for our children is based around brain development and here are the easy ones: fine motor and gross motor skills–easily observed and measured. Then you start getting into social development, emotional development, and when you think about emotional development, that’s where resilience lies. So, how do you work with children when 90% of their brain development is occurring, to help them develop those emotional tools, including resiliency, to be able to become well-adjusted, to interact well? We use a curriculum called the HighScope curriculum, nationally researched, valid and reliable, that speaks very specifically to resilience amongst many other aspects of a child’s development. We do it in a very intentional and holistic way so that it encompasses the entire family as well as our sta because it’s so critical that our sta also have that resilience for the benefit of mission fulfillment.
foundation said, “We’re all aboard.” But one of the volunteers in the committee reviewing it said, “The kids don’t really need computers in the classroom until they go to kindergarten, and we’re struggling with that. Could you present to the committee?” I agreed and got in front of that committee and I said, “Let me tell you what the issue is. One of our kids gets to kindergarten, but they don’t have computers in their home. Their parent might have a smartphone, but they don’t have access to the software. The kindergarten teacher says, “Now I want you to take the mouse...” Our kid is looking around on the ground for a mouse running around.” The committee laughed and said, “Point well taken.” They funded our first set of classroom computers. Now, every single one of our preschool classrooms has computers. Technology also plays a role for us in terms of our parenting courses. I know it sounds simplistic, but what we have found is that there are families that find it di cult to get on site. Sixty-four percent, two-thirds of our families are single-head-ofhousehold. By o ering those eightten week courses virtually, we’ve been able to increase our enrollment and maintain very high attendance rates. So, technology in terms of virtual o ering is huge for families. Technology in the classrooms is huge, and we also use technology with our sta because we use that HighScope curriculum. Our classroom observation and assessments for progress all happen because of technology.
has been workforce attainment, recruitment and retention. So, we turned our attention to that as our top priority in our strategic planning. We’ve been very intentional, literally since 2016 when we could start to have a little budget breathing room, in working to bring our early childhood educators’ pay to a parity level with public education educators. There are very few places that, never mind being focused on it, are doing as much as we are doing to make that the case. We’ve been highly successful and we’re not done yet–we’re going to keep going with it, so that the vast majority of our preschool classrooms are led by a teacher with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
sta . And we are just bringing on a halftime person who will have a very specific focus on postpartum depression. At any given time, we have a significant number of pregnant moms and new moms so for us to have a highly qualified LCSW with a 15-month-old child herself is very, very exciting. We’re also looking at how we continue to position ourselves well for the future. It’s really thinking about a current unmet need and anticipated need and how we continually innovate to do that e ectively.
WHAT DO YOU WANT OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN CHILDREN AND FAMILY
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CONCERN AT THE MOMENT REGARDING EARLY CHILDHOOD?
First, take a tour and figure out how you could be a part of our Children First Family as a volunteer. Volunteers are such a big part of us being a nationally recognized program of excellence. Come and rock a baby, help us administratively or drag bags of mulch around. Bring us your love and expertise. Second, a significant portion of our budget is private philanthropic support, and that’s what allows us to have the early childhood mental health specialist, the Families First Institute. Much of what we do is fully funded through private philanthropy so we’re always looking for that support in an informed manner. We want people to know about us. The third thing is advocacy for high-quality early childhood education. Advocate that every child in our community has the opportunity, regardless of income level, to have a high-quality early childhood education. That advocacy is not just for Children First, it’s for every single child in our community because they all have the potential.
WHAT TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS DO YOU FIND MOST HELPFUL IN FURTHERING YOUR MISSION? We’re going to get in the wayback machine when we were applying for classroom computers to a local foundation. The sta at the
During COVID, there were a lot of articles about the number of teachers who left the national K-12 system. Estimates are that in early care and education, which is six weeks to five years old, 80 to 100,000 educators left the field. We kept our infrastructure intact but we were the exception, not the rule. Combine that with very high cost of living increases locally, rent being the primary one and a field that traditionally has had pretty low wages, and our biggest challenge
SERVICES? Before I’d give them advice, I would say to them, “You’re doing this because you have it in your heart, and that should be recognized and applauded.”My advice to them would be that, number one, they should do everything that they can to pursue their education. One of our retention tools is taking advantage of a state program called TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) and what that allows our sta to do is to pursue certification–a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, depending on where they’re starting–at almost no cost to them because of scholarship, and with a commitment by Children First to provide them with three hours paid time a week for study. At last count, I think we had 36 sta in the TEACH scholarship program. So, I would advise somebody to pursue their education, because each educational attainment gives you a key to a bigger door of opportunity. The second thing that I would advise them is is to find a place that is entirely mission-based, where they highly value their employees.
WHAT NEW PROGRAMS ARE ON THE
HORIZON? We have a donor who has allowed us to expand our early childhood mental health focus, inclusive of families and
