Safe Children Coalition celebrates futures reimagined during Giving Breakfast

On March 26, 2026, child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition (SCC) presented its 4th annual Giving Breakfast, with Leadership Sponsor Gulf Coast Community Foundation Legacy of Impact Fund. During the event, which was attended by more than 300, not only did SCC honor its 2026 Champions for Children, the organization also brought in nearly $270,000 and announced the completion of its Youth Shelter campaign.

Three inspirational stories were shared during the event of SCC clients whose lives were reimagined through SCC programs. Former foster child Aiyana benefited from the PESS (Post-secondary Educational Services & Support) program and, with a range of support services, earned her Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Management from FAMU, her Master's degree from FSU in Public Administration, and will soon be headed to law school.

In another impactful story, everyone learned about how Alana was removed from an abusive home, growing up in and out of foster care. At 18, while homeless, with a 2-year-old and another child on the way, she began her engagement with SCC in the CAPTA (Children and Parents Together Always) program, where she completed a Plan of Safe Care. She is currently in college and about to start her nursing degree; she has her own apartment and car.

The mission moment came during Sonya’s story. Childhood trauma turned into years of addiction issues, incarceration, and the removal of children from Sonya and her husband’s home. With support from SCC programs and a devoted case manager, the parents are now clean, their children are thriving, and Sonya works for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Parents for Parents program, using her lived experience to help parents navigate the child welfare system and reunited with their children

The three “Champions for Children” recognized for their contributions to caring for children in our community as well as for their support and advocacy on behalf of Safe Children Coalition were: Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Phillip P. Lanham, President | CEO; The MSC Foundation, the charitable arm of Michael Saunders & Company, Drayton Saunders, Vice President; and nonprofit partner, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Colleen Thayer, CEO.

SCC President and CEO Brena Slater and Board Chair Tony Gamelin updated the guests with the organization’s 2025 impact numbers, showcasing highlights of programs such as foster care, adoption, Schoolhouse Link (for homeless students), and prevention and diversion. In 2025, the organization served over 10,000 children across all programs in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.

“The work SCC does is not easy—but it is absolutely essential to the well-being of our children and to the quality of life in our community,” said Lanham during brief remarks. “This work matters because children are not someone else’s responsibility; the children in our community belong to all of us. That belief is why we’re here today. We’re here to support. We’re here to help.”

He noted that the impact numbers "represent lives stabilized, families strengthened, and futures redirected because of this work—and because of the people and partners who support it.”

SCC Vice President of Communications and Community Engagement Jacqueline House – who spearheaded the Youth Shelter Campaign – then took to the podium for a big announcement. The Youth Shelter Campaign, which was first announced during the very first Giving Breakfast in 2023, had not only reached but exceeded its goal. The effort brought in $9.9 million to build the new shelter for homeless and other vulnerable children in Florida’s Circuit 12. The construction is very nearly complete; the facility is expected to be operational by fall 2026. .

“Here's to what we believed was possible and to your belief in SCC to bring this vision to reality,” toasted Gamelin. “To every voice, every gift, and every act of generosity that carried this campaign across the finish line. Because of you, teens in our community will find safety and hope, and an opportunity to reimagine their futures."

The Giving Breakfast was also supported by Honoree Sponsor Sunset Automotive Group, and numerous Friend, Table and Program Sponsors.

SCC is the lead community-based care agency for Florida’s Circuit 12, comprising Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention/diversion, quality management, and support services.

For more about Safe Children Coalition, visit sccfl.org.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.