The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation has provided Children First with a $25,000 COVID Recovery Assistance grant to support agency operations across all 15 sites throughout North Port, Sarasota, and Venice. This brings the Foundation’s total giving in 2021 to $75,000 in recognition of Children First’s mission, critical services, and community impact as well as the agency’s 60th anniversary year.
Children First’s staff continues to serve on the front lines as they provide the highest quality care possible each day for hundreds of infants, toddlers, and children. Nearly 90% of families served by Children First are currently living below the Federal Poverty Level ($21,960 for a family of three), and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 has been catastrophic for those already facing a financial “cliff.” The results of reduced work hours, job loss, and unexpected medical bills puts these families at increased risks of housing and food insecurity as well as related health problems.
“This key support provided from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation is crucial in helping our agency remain at the forefront of our mission. Not only does it ensure that our services never stop while keeping safety as a top priority, but it provides hope to our children and families beyond this global health crisis and keeps them focused on building a strong, stable future,” says CEO Philip Tavill.
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 15 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.