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| SARASOTA – The Florida Center for Early Childhood received several grants that will help at-risk children and families, still vulnerable from the effects of the Covid crisis, regardless of their location. “We are humbled by the amount of support we receive from our community partners,” said Dr. Kristie Skoglund, Chief Executive Officer. “Receiving funding when times get tough helps us to stay strong for families who rely on our services in times of crisis.” With aide from the community partners listed below, expert trained therapists and clinicians are able to continue to provide a lifeline for children and their birth parents, guardians and foster parents through secured virtual tele-health sessions. These important services help already struggling families deal with the added burdens of isolation, job insecurity and the overall stress of uncertainty. · The Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation provided support for The Florida Center’s Early Childhood Court program. The specialized court model helps young children in the welfare system find permanency at a time when they are most vulnerable to trauma. · The Bank of America Client Foundation provided support for the center’s mental health and developmental therapy programs which serve children through fifth grade and their families. · The Manatee Community Foundation provided support for The Florida Center to respond to clients living in the Lakewood Ranch and east Manatee/Sarasota areas who are still struggling from Covid-related effects. The grant will allow The Florida Center to serve these clients virtually, which is often more convenient and safer families. · The Wilson-Wood Foundation also provided support for the Early Childhood Court program. Those enrolled in the program receive services to heal from trauma, regulate and express emotions and form close and secure relationships. About the Florida Center for Early Childhood For more than 40 years, The Florida Center for Early Childhood has been the leading provider of therapeutic services, early education and healthy development for young children in southwest Florida, offering a seamless delivery of services for the whole child and their family. Today, the agency is nationally recognized for its early childhood expertise in a variety of specialties. The Florida Center provides developmental therapies, mental health counseling, Starfish Academy preschool, the Healthy Families home-visiting program, and the state’s only Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders clinic. For more information, visit www.thefloridacenter.org or call 941-371-8820. |