JFCS of the Suncoast receives $1.48M Federal Grant

JFCS of the Suncoast’s Healthy Families/Healthy Children program continues to shine in the eyes of the US Dept of Health and Human Services (HHS), which awarded the program a $1.48M grant for 2019.

The recipient of HHS funding since 2006, Healthy Families/Healthy Children is a five-year, highly competitive grant, renewable each year, which supports adults ages 18 and up residing in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The $1.48M award completely funds the JFCS program, which provides skill building services to promote healthy relationships and healthy parenting/co-parenting, while also empowering participants towards economic stability. This program is specifically targeted to serve low income families.

“This grant is the lifeblood for JFCS’ Healthy Families/Healthy Children program,” said program director Katelyn Kopakin. “It is true testimony to the amazing commitment of our 15 staff members and numerous volunteers to have been awarded the maximum amount of funding since 2006 to support the program, which in the past three years has served more than 867 individuals.”

About JFCS Healthy Families/Healthy Children program

Designed to provide skill building services with a two-generational approach to promote and help improve economic stability and family well-being so children grow up in stable, happy, and healthy families, participants take an initial 13-week relationship class. Once they complete this class they have the option to continue for another 13 weeks in the JFCS parenting class, based on each person’s demonstrated commitment and performance measurement.

Each course is offered in both English and Spanish during which time individuals, couples, and families are afforded the opportunity to improve their relationships with instruction in communication, and conflict resolution, as well as stress and anger management. Partnerships with Legal Aid of Manasota and The Florida Center enhance the curriculum and classroom experience. All program participants are also eligible for case management, employment services, and financial literacy coaching. Free child care, healthy family meals, access to the food pantry, free books for the children, as well as incentives for attendance and help with transportation are also offered, which reduce some of the barriers to attendance.

Additional Community Outreach benefits

In addition to the relationship/parenting classes offered at the main office, the grant also funds programs to other 18+ adults at a public elementary school, the Sarasota County Jail and First Step of Sarasota.