Join us for our Partnership Celebration!
Join us for our upcoming Partnership Celebration! Meet us at the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System Auditorium on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our collective efforts, connect with community leaders, and hear from a national keynote speaker specializing in maternal and infant health equity.
We will also unveil exciting highlights from the new First 1,000 Days Suncoast 2025-2028 strategic plan, developed in partnership with parents and professionals. We look forward to coming together to connect, celebrate, and inspire a brighter future!
Click here to explore the Strategic Plan and find ways in which YOU can support this vital work!
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We are excited to share our most recent case study:
First 1,000 Days Suncoast: Through the Lens of Community Partners
Our most recent case study reveals how the Initiative cultivates strong collaboration, trust, and coordinated care. Insights from interviews with 21 community professionals share the power of our partnerships in the community. Click here to learn more.
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Click below for a message from Chelsea Arnold! | Parents from the First 1,000 Days Parent Advisory Committee were offered Family Holiday Portraits by Roni Padua Photography (Roni Padua (@ronipadua_photo). We were able to provide photos for a total of 18 families, their smiles reflected the joy of the holiday season. A special thank you goes to Tina Wilson, Family Navigator for organizing this fantastic event and honoring our parent advisors. |
Amazon Wishlist
16 Families Helped!
Thanks to many generous donations from community members, sixteen families served by First 1,000 Days were able to open holiday presents this year. An Amazon wishlist provided the opportunity for folks to purchase family-requested items. All requests were filled and then some! A heartfelt thank you to all who donated!
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Children's Movement of Florida
We are pleased to announce that First 1,000 Days Suncoast was one of three community drivers selected from across the state to participate in a working retreat focused on The Children’s Movement of Florida’s Early Learning Roadmap.
Our very own Janice Houchins and Renee King attended and shared the impact of First 1,000 Days Suncoast. They participated in brainstorming activities and dreamt alongside other early childhood leaders, including parents, reimagining the future of early learning in Florida.
| (Pictured: Family Navigator, Renee King at a roundtable brainstorming session) | |
A homeless pregnant mother of two reached out to First 1,000 Days for help.
Renee King, Family Navigator, connected the mother to Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness and Freedom House. Mom and the children now live together in their safe, home-sweet-apartment.
Mom is quoted as saying, "Thanks to you (Renee King), I am doing a million times better, and I get to move in today! I’ve learned there are earth angels, and that is you!".
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Pregnant mother new to the area asks First 1,000 Days for help finding local resources
A pregnant mother recently relocating to DeSoto County needed help navigating local supports and services. Tonya Wallace, First 1,000 Days Family Navigator at Links to Success, immediately started working to connect her to Pregnancy Solutions and Healthy Start, a home-visiting parent education program. She also delivered essential newborn care items to ensure the mother was well prepared for her baby’s arrival.
Tonya’s compassionate guidance helps families across DeSoto County find the resources to thrive.
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One parent, Taylor was working hard to support her family, but she needed some extra help, so she reached out to First 1,000 Days.
Tina Wilson, a Family Navigator, connected Taylor to various community resources, including the Mother’s Helping Mothers’ Transportation Program.
Every day, Taylor relied on public transportation to commute to her full-time job and attend family appointments. Determined to improve her life, she completed the transportation program and is now the proud owner of a vehicle that enables her to travel to work and other essential places for her family.
Having her vehicle has allowed her more time and energy to focus on her family. Taylor now sits on the First 1,000 Days Parent Advisory Committee, helping other mothers in her community, and is truly shining.
Taylor often raves about how helpful First 1,000 Days has been and is quoted as saying, "You know, everyone needs a Tina!".
| (Pictured: Taylor, and her very own vehicle!) |
Diapers, Diapers, Diapers!
We are excited to announce that First United Methodist Church will host a New Year diaper drive for First 1,000 Days Suncoast! If you'd like to help, please bring diapers and/or wipes to First United Methodist Church at 104 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.
- Donations are welcome on January 12th or January 19th before the 8:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. services.
- Additionally, you can drive to the back of the church on Tuesday, January 14th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a quick "drive-up/drop-off" service.
If you have any questions, please contact Janice Houchins at 941-780-2348
| (Pictured: The incredible team from SMHHF and Pinnacle Chiropractic) | A special thank you goes out to Longboat Key Club, Pinnacle, and the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation for collecting hundreds of diapers, wipes, and additional supplies. Your assistance and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you for making a difference for local parents and families! |
Join our Team!
The First 1,000 Days Suncoast team exudes a culture of creativity, warmth, and innovation. We are looking for a team member who is a self-starter, is technologically savvy, and enjoys interacting with diverse professionals and parents. Critical Roles of the Community Support Specialist include:
- Fulfilling critical roles in supply ordering, event coordination,
and sending invitations.
- Record-keeping
- Follow-up of community and parent meetings.
- Acting as a liaison between healthcare and community organizations.
- Distributing flyers and other critical information and answering incoming requests surrounding the initiative.
- Providing a warm, kind transfer based on needs.
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Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundations presents
Rock the Roof
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The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundations presents, “Rock the Roof”, a dance party under the stars guaranteed to get you on your feet and celebrate Y2K!.
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Location: SMH-Sarasota’s West Parking Garage
Time: 7-11pm
Proceeds benefit Women and Children’s Services at SMH. Live music from SMH doctor bands and a DJ! For more information visit the link below to the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation website.
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Thank you,
First 1,000 Days Suncoast Team
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CONNECT WITH US!
Our community partners are vital to our mission! First 1,000 Days Suncoast is committed to working collaboratively to create innovative approaches and solutions that make a difference in families' lives. We’re here for our fellow professionals as much as the families we serve!
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