Gulf Coast Community Foundation Prioritizes Education and Mental Health Services

June 23, 2023 – Sarasota

Gulf Coast Community Foundation awarded Forty Carrots Family Center three grants totaling $53,000 dedicated to Partners In Play® (PIP) in Sarasota County and mental health services for families affected by Hurricane Ian.  This funding is made possible through the Community Health Endowment Fund, Anna V. Pfister, Nellie Mae Koss and Helen K. Hadden Memorial Fund, and the Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative at Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

With these transformative grants, Forty Carrots is able to provide its parenting education program,Partners In Play® (PIP) groups at no cost to children and families at Sarasota County libraries and mental health support for families to not only recover from the hurricane’s trauma but also develop the coping skills they need as they rebuild their lives. 

“This generous funding from Gulf Coast Community Foundation wraps our children and families in support from prevention work happening at our PIP groups to interventions and treatment in mental health therapy. Disasters, no matter where they come from, impact our community every day. Having Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s ever-ready support to respond allows us to support recovery from the mental and emotional damages often left unseen and yet are far more enduring,” said CEO of Forty Carrots Michelle Kapreilian.

“We are honored to provide support to Forty Carrots Family Center who embody their mission of nurturing healthy child and family development through research-based, relationship-centered education and mental health services. Forty Carrots stands strong as a pivotal resource for families in our region. Their work is inspirational and important,” said Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Director of Community Leadership Kameron Hodgens, Ph.D.

Since 1993, Forty Carrots Family Center has served families in Sarasota & Manatee counties, ensuring good beginnings that last a lifetime for children through its expertise in Parenting Education, Mental Health Services, and Early Childhood Education. Rated 4-Stars by Charity Navigator, Forty Carrots serves families from all walks of life, with 94 percent of families receiving services free of charge. Visitwww.fortycarrots.org  for more information.