Bank of America Positions the Next Generation for Success with Support of Local Children and Families in Need

July 19, 2021

Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, has received a $10,000 grant from Bank of America. The grant will help fund comprehensive educational programs and wraparound services for pregnant women, infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and their families living at-risk. 

Bank of America’s key investment in the well-being of vulnerable children and families, many of whom live below the Federal Poverty Level of $21,960 for a family of 3, will secure a dollar-for-dollar match through The Challenge for Changing Lives, Children First’s 60th Anniversary challenge match campaign.

“This funding means we can continue to provide the highest quality early childhood education in our beautiful classrooms with dedicated teachers. It will also help to fill hungry tummies with delicious, nutritious food and provide the critical wraparound services, including emotional and behavioral support and family strengthening, that allows for our families to continue on their paths to independence,” says Children First CEO Philip Tavill. “Together, we are preparing our children to become whatever it is they dream to be and helping our families make their dreams a reality.”

In total, Bank of America has granted $410,000 to 19 nonprofits across Sarasota-Manatee this year. Through direct action and investment in organizations like Children First, the bank is focused on addressing basic needs fundamental to building life-long stability for residents in the region.“

Children First’s mission of strengthening the lives of children and families through comprehensive programs aligns with Bank of America’s commitment to Sarasota-Manatee residents,” said Mike McCoy, President, Bank of America Sarasota-Manatee. “By providing infants, toddlers and their parents with these valuable resources, we are positioning the next generation for success and in turn, helping the community prosper for years to come.”

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.