Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Sarasota County, has received vital grant funding to support recovery efforts following a devastating hurricane season.

The 2024-25 school year has seen the unprecedented effects of two hurricanes and a tropical storm, resulting in damage across most Children First sites. Debris, yard waste, and structural impacts to playgrounds, roofs, and fences have underscored the importance of a swift and effective recovery process.

Thanks to the dedication of Children First’s community partners, the agency has navigated recovery efforts with resilience and efficiency. Children First extends heartfelt gratitude to the following supporters for their generous contributions:

• William G. and Marie Selby Foundation: $50,000
• Gulf Coast Community Foundation: $40,000
• Community Foundation of Sarasota County: $26,000
• Anonymous Foundation: $20,000
• Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation: $15,000
• Bealls, Inc.: $5,000
• National Council of Jewish Women Sarasota-Manatee: $5,000
• United Way Suncoast: $3,500
• Suncoast Charities for Children: $3,213.52

“We are deeply grateful for the support from our grant funders, which allows us to address the immediate needs of our children, families, and staff,” says Philip Tavill, President & CEO of Children First. “This funding ensures we can continue providing the safe and nurturing environments that our community relies on.”

Children First serves hundreds of economically vulnerable children and families each year across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. In addition to high-quality early childhood education, its comprehensive services include nutrition, emotional and behavioral support, family strengthening, and the award-winning Families First Institute, which offers classes on parenting, career readiness, personal development, and more.

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and 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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