Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, is thrilled to announce a substantial influx of grant funding from various philanthropic organizations. These generous contributions will support critical projects and programs that enhance the quality of early childhood education and comprehensive services for families in need.

Major contributions include:

• SYC Cares, the philanthropic arm of the Sarasota Yacht Club: $75,000 to support the renovation and renewal of the playground at the agency’s main campus, the Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center.
• McCune Family Foundation: $50,000 for scholarship support, ensuring more children have access to high-quality early care and education.
• Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation: $15,000 to cap off the funding needed for playground renovations at the Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center.
• Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation: $5,000 to support comprehensive services for children and families.
• Sisterhood for Good: $5,000 for the Full Tummies, Flourishing Minds program, providing nutritious meals to support children's healthy development.
• Plantation Community Foundation: $3,000 for scholarship support.
• Florida Winefest & Auction: $2,000 for Families First Institute classes, offering valuable training and resources for parents.
• Suncoast Charities for Children: $1,500 for the Full Tummies, Flourishing Minds program.
• MSC Foundation: $1,250 for comprehensive services.

Children First, a four-time designated national Head Start Program of Excellence and nationally recognized Top Workplace, plays a crucial role in the lives of hundreds of children from birth to five years and their families who are living at or below the Federal Poverty Level ($25,820 for a family of three). The agency provides comprehensive services at multiple locations across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port.

"We are deeply grateful for the support from these generous organizations," said Philip Tavill, President & CEO of Children First. “Funding will enhance our ability to provide safe, engaging, and supportive learning environments for those we serve across the county. Thank you to our community for your commitment to helping our children and families thrive now, and for generations to come.”

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and having been ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,800 Head Starts nationwide, Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.

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