By: Erik Waxler ABC Action News TAMPA, Fla. — Baby Bellamy is ready for Halloween. She’s 11 months old, and Melissa Garitta said she is loving every bit of being a first-time mom. “Just watching those milestones. Seeing her grow from that first smile to those giggles, eating for the first time solid food to now…
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Community Partners,
Spring marks a busy season as we prepare for upcoming summer programs, which include our grants for Passports, Enhancements, and Slots each addressing the unique resources needed by community partners. We appreciate our continued collaboration with Hillsborough County in co‑funding some of these initiatives. We are excited that three Passport partners will also offer Spring Break camps.
We are pleased to share several recent funding approvals from the February Board meeting that support our strategic planning service priorities. Mental Health Wellness grants were awarded to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, Inc., and the University of South Florida. In separate efforts, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County was approved for funding to support childcare accreditation within the ONEhillsborough zip codes of 33603, 33610, and 33619, and the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA was approved for a water safety grant to expand drowning‑prevention programs countywide.
While the new funding release period for this fiscal year is nearing conclusion, the Match/Leveraged Investments and Emerging Needs Funding categories remain open. Additional information is available on the Funding Opportunities page on our website.
I am delighted to share two upcoming events and invite you to join us. Keeping Kids Safe is a free community day for children and families hosted by several partners on March 28th at the Skills Center in East Tampa. Our annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Event is on April 3rd, which will feature several speakers and the presentation of our Family Support Champion awards. We encourage advance registration for those planning to attend either event.
I look forward to seeing you in the community.
Rebecca
