Local Foundations Support Scholarships for Children in Need

February 3, 2021 – Sarasota

The Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation has recently awarded $25,000 in support of scholarships to Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Sarasota County.

The agency also received $20,000 from the Harry Sudakoff Foundation, $15,000 from the Evalyn Sadlier Jones Foundation, $10,000 from the Sarasota County Foundation, and $5,000 from the Harold C. & Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation, totaling $75,000 in support for the scholarship program.

Scholarships support comprehensive services including early childhood education, nutrition, emotional and behavioral support, and family strengthening services for the most vulnerable children and families living in our community. By providing scholarships for full-day infant and toddler care and pre-school education, parents also receive the opportunity to strengthen their finances and ultimately achieve self-sufficiency.

“As we celebrate our 60^th anniversary year, our community partners continue to make a significant difference by making high-quality education accessible for all. The majority of our families rely on scholarship aid, and this incredible support from our local foundations ensures that the most at-risk families in our community have access to the services they need to thrive and succeed. For this, we are most grateful.” says President & CEO Philip Tavill. 

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.