PARENTING MATTERS TO RECEIVE $41,900 IN COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUNDING

United Way Suncoast has awarded $41,900 in Community Investment funding to Parenting Matters for their Musical Motion Program and their Parent Partner Program (PPP).

Parenting Matters is pleased to announce that they will be receiving $41,900 in Community Investment funding from United Way Suncoast for their Musical Motion Program and their Parent Partner Program (PPP). Musical Motion is an interactive early learning class where English and/or Spanish-speaking parents and their children, ages 0-5, participate interactively while exploring books, music, ABC’s, and 123’s. The Parent Partner Program (PPP) is an evidence-based parenting education and support program designed to help parents build a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for children to thrive.

United Way Suncoast recently completed the first year of funding (FY 20) of over $5.6 million in community investments utilizing its new investment process. United Way met with over 400 individuals representing non-profit agencies, funders, business leaders, volunteers, and team members. These key stakeholders helped design and shape a new process to guide investments in our community, leading to greater impact and results for our most vulnerable neighbors. 

Community investments were aligned to priority areas and focused on Asset Development, Early Learning, Financial Stability, Workforce Development and Youth Success across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto Counties.

“In the true spirit of community and collective impact, United Way Suncoast volunteers did a thorough and thoughtful review of all requests. We are proud to support many high-impact programs that will do so much good across our region. At United Way Suncoast, we never stop advocating for our community. Through our partnerships and expertise, we create bold solutions to our biggest challenges – uplifting lives and achieving equity for generations to come”, says United Way CEO Jessica Muroff.

“Research shows that empowering families with the necessary knowledge and skills will lead them to live healthy and productive lives. Thanks to United Way Suncoast, Parenting Matters will be able to work with more families to create strong foundations that will have a positive impact on children and future generations”, Katrina Bellemare, Executive Director of Parenting Matters.

“Strategic partnerships bring community aspirations to life. We are proud of our partnership with Parenting Matters in support of our ensuring that our children have equitable access to learning and grade-level reading success. Together, we are creating the future. We look forward to the impact this investment will make in parents and their children”, says Bronwyn Beightol, Chief Impact Officer, Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto.

About United Way Suncoast

United Way Suncoast fights for the education and financial stability of every person in the community through educational programs that give children the skills to succeed, helping adults achieve long-term financial stability and activating caring individuals through volunteerism. We are proud to serve the people of DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties by operating and funding services and programs to help create a stronger, more vibrant community. For more information, visit www.unitedwaysuncoast.org.About Parenting Matters

Founded as Family Partnership Center in 1994, Parenting Matters is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to strengthening families and preventing child abuse in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Last year, Parenting Matters served 2,200 parents and children through its continuum of parenting education services: home visiting, community-based groups, classes, and workshops. Parenting Matters’ programs foster effective parenting, so children can grow in safe, nurturing homes that enable them to reach their full potential. For Parenting Matters’ program offerings and more information, visit www.parentingmattersfl.org or call 941-756-3007.