Teen Court of Sarasota Receives Grant From The Florida Blue Foundation

Teen Court of Sarasota is proud to announce a three-year collaboration with the Florida Blue Foundation. This $300,000 grant will allow Teen Court to provide improved health and well-being mental health services to youth in Sarasota County who are program participants.

“We are truly grateful for the Florida Blue Foundation’s investment in us,” said Heather Todd, Executive Director of Teen Court.  Both organizations thoughtfully support changing behaviors and habitats to encourage, motivate and inspire youth to live healthier and productive lifestyles. 

Todd and Lori Moran, Chief Operating Officer of Teen Court, jointly acknowledged this new relationship as a valuable collaboration that will strive to improve the health and well-being of the youth served in Sarasota County.  Todd adds, “The young people we serve are not defined by the choices that brought them through our program.  This grant award allows us to serve our clients utilizing restorative strategies, meaningful consequences, and services including mental health counseling for those that otherwise would not have had immediate access. We show teens how to improve their life by taking care of their mental and physical health.  Our programs include fitness and education on the effects of drugs and alcohol while encouraging youth to avoid overall bad habits.”

“Florida Blue Foundation is dedicated to providing residents and neighborhoods the skills and resources to become more self-sufficient when it comes to their health care,” said Florida Blue Foundation Vice President Susan Towler. “Our grant to Teen Court of Sarasota aligns with our mission to help people and communities achieve better health.”

Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc. is an alternative to Juvenile Court, allowing a young person a second chance of having a bright future. Youth who come through Teen Court participate in a court program run by their peers, under the supervision of a volunteer adult judge. Student volunteers who participate in our Teen Court program receive a law-related education along with community service hours for their time. In complement to the Teen Court program, the organization also offers counseling services, drug prevention, anti-bullying, and anger management classes to those youth who demonstrate extra need.