Children First Receives Vital Grant

January 15, 2025 | Sarasota

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.