A Lifeline for Children and Families: Gloria and Kraig Koach & The Florida Center

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha / Photo by Nancy Guth | November 2023

For 44 years and counting, The Florida Center has offered an extensive range of programs and services for children and families across Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto, and Hardee counties. From essential mental health services and early childhood care to professional counseling, therapy, and support tailored to those with developmental disabilities, The Florida Center remains a lifeline for parents navigating crucial stages of their child’s growth and early development.

A Committed Volunteer Couple

Championing The Florida Center’s initiatives are dedicated volunteers like Gloria and Kraig Koach, who have thrown their support behind the Center for the past 22 years. The couple’s tag-team philanthropic journey began with a love story. 

Kraig, a Sarasota native with deep roots in the community, met Gloria, an Orlando native, and together, they shared a commitment not only to each other, but to making a difference in the lives of children in their community, starting with their own.

“When our daughter was four years old, someone reached out to us and recommended The Florida Center,“ Gloria recalls. “She needed speech therapy and occupational therapy, and thus we became very close with Kim Williams, speech therapist at The Florida Center. Kim was a lifesaver helping us navigate the journey.” 

Kraig and Gloria’s personal experience with The Florida Center deeply touched their hearts and inspired them to actively support and advance the organization’s mission. “After seeing what The Florida Center was able to accomplish for our daughter and other children, supporting their mission became the right and natural thing to do,” says Kraig. “We believe children are our most important asset, and certainly, our future.”

Looking back on her daughter’s remarkable journey with The Florida Center’s therapists, Gloria expresses her admiration, saying,  “They are outstanding in every skill set, displaying compassion, empathy, professionalism, and they are to be commended in all they do to provide the excellent support.”

Along with their volunteer involvement with The Florida Center, both Gloria and Kraig have  been active in the community. Gloria contributed her time serving on the various boards including the Junior League of Sarasota, Sarasota Middle and Sarasota High School parent/teacher organizations, and The Asolo Theater, while Kraig served on various boards and supported programs, including the Boy Scouts, Pines of Sarasota, Kiwanis Club, and The Women’s Exchange, among others.

The Florida Center’s mission deeply resonated with the Koachs’ personal and shared values. As they continued to delve into the various branches of services and programs offered by the Center, their desire to become more involved in supporting these initiatives grew. “The Florida Center and its staff is vast, professional and first-class, and you walk away with a smile, knowing that your donation is being well spent,” Gloria says.

Kraig emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community, saying, “It’s absolutely critical that each and every one of us find something that we can support. It helps build the community, brings everyone closer together, and provides essential services to those in need.”

Over the years, Gloria and Kraig haven’t just offered financial support to The Florida Center; they’ve also become advocates and ambassadors for the organization; their passionate involvement plays a pivotal role in expanding the Center’s reach.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Kraig firmly believes that the importance of early intervention cannot be overstated. “You can make the largest impact on a person’s life if you get help to them early enough,” he says. 

The Florida Center offers in-house services, including infant and early childhood mental health care, ensuring children have access to critical resources from an early age. These services directly benefit children, providing essential one-on-one support that can be life-changing. 

The Center’s long-standing partnership with the Sarasota County School District ensures that they can deliver crucial mental health and counseling services to every elementary school within Sarasota County. Moreover, their commitment extends beyond the confines of school buildings, with counselors making house calls to provide support where it’s needed most. 

Notably, their pioneering efforts in areas like diagnosis and treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder counseling underscore the Center’s innovative approach to reaching and aiding Sarasota’s most vulnerable children and families in times of need.

A Night of Celebration and Giving Back

Each year, on the first Friday of December, The Florida Center hosts its annual Gala, a highly anticipated event on Sarasota’s philanthropic calendar. This enchanting evening serves as both a celebration of the organization’s mission and a potent fundraising opportunity. The Gala unfolds within a beautifully adorned venue, with attendees eagerly anticipating a night filled with inspiration and camaraderie. 

Gloria fondly reminisces, “A beautiful video is shown of a family grateful for The Florida Center’s services and support. It demonstrates the impact this organization has on the many needy families in our community.” 

With elegance and purpose, the Gala raises critical funds to sustain The Florida Center’s vital services and ensures the continued success of its mission. As one who has attended multiple Galas in town, Gloria shares, “This event is special to me, because I have seen firsthand the success of therapy in early childhood development.” 

The Starfish Academy and Healthy Families

Within The Florida Center’s array of programs, The Starfish Academy stands out as a nationally accredited preschool that embodies the spirit of nurturing potential. 

“The Starfish Academy is an upbeat area within The Florida Center. Innovative, inspiring, and loving describe this well-rounded educational opportunity for young children,” says Gloria. 

The Starfish Academy is meticulously designed to empower children with the skills, confidence, and foundation they need to thrive in their educational journey. With dedicated, specially trained educators supported by an interdisciplinary team of pediatric specialists, the program is a testament to the Center’s commitment to building strong foundations and setting children on the path to success.

Gloria’s heartfelt connection to the cause extends to Healthy Families, another cornerstone program at The Florida Center. This program recognizes the pivotal role of family dynamics in a child’s development. Kraig emphasizes that, “By fostering healthy family relationships, The Florida Center ensures that every child has a stable and loving foundation.”

“This evidence-based home visit program serves over 800 families in the area,” Gloria adds, “Family Specialists provide positive support, education on child development, health and safety topics, and activities that parents can do with their child. They are first rate and model standards set by Healthy Families America.”

Healthy Families strengthens family bonds and equips parents with the tools and resources they need to navigate the challenges that can arise during the early stages of parenthood. 

Gloria fondly recalls a heartwarming tradition, “For 10 years, I was on the advisory board of Healthy Families. During Christmas time, I hosted annual luncheons in my home for the social workers because it is rare they have an opportunity to be the featured guests. Serving them was indeed an honor and joy.”  

A Legacy of Lasting Love

Kraig and Gloria envision a thriving future for The Florida Center as Sarasota’s community grows and children’s needs evolve. They hope for expanded mental health support in schools to further the Center’s mission. Gloria emphasizes the significance of the Gala in raising awareness among their friends, highlighting the Center’s professional and expanding services. Kraig acknowledges Sarasota’s rapid growth, emphasizing the increasing needs for children, presenting a significant challenge. While hands-on roles have transitioned to the next generation, Kraig and Gloria now serve as connectors, utilizing their networks to introduce others to the Center’s mission. They believe that these connections are crucial in supporting the community’s needs and ensuring The Florida Center’s resilience in serving Sarasota’s children and families.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on The Florida Center, visit www.thefloridacenter.org or call 941) 371-8820, ex 1000.