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e-newsletter

July 2015

A MESSAGE FROM

KELLEY PARRIS,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Executive Director, Kelley Parris

Dear Partners and Advocates,

The Children's Board, along with the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA,

Joy McCann Foundation, and Bank of America are excited to announce the launch of our newest initiative, the "Veggie Van" Mobile Marketplace. The "Veggie Van" will bring high quality, affordable, local fruits and vegetables to Hillsborough County neighborhoods with limited access to fresh healthy food. In our country today, it is estimated that 23.6 million Americans live in areas that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has labeled as food deserts. Hillsborough County spans nearly 1300 square miles, and within that vast landscape, there are more than 40 identified communities that are unable to find fresh and affordable produce within a reasonable distance. Often people living in these areas only have access to fast food, or convenience stores, with overpriced, unhealthy, processed options. The "Veggie Van" truly represents an oasis of fresh produce for these children and families. In addition to the fresh produce, each location will be staffed with an onsite nutritionist who can answer questions and teach healthy cooking alternatives to community members.

We are pleased to be a part of the solution; promoting a healthy, balanced diet for children and families with nutritional needs that otherwise would go unmet.

My best,

Kelley

OUR

MISSION

The Children's Board of Hillsborough County promotes the well-being of children and families by uniting community partners, investing in innovative opportunities, and leading the county in best practices so the whole community can realize its full potential.

WANT TO

KNOW MORE?

We welcome you to join in the conversation!

AND

CONGRESSWOMAN CASTOR VISITS THE CHILDREN'S BOARD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER IN CENTRAL TAMPA

The Children's Board Family Resource Center Central Tampa was the location of a very special visit from Congresswoman Kathy Castor.

Congresswoman Castor in the photo above speaks with a mother and her young children at the Children's Board Family Resource in Central Tampa that are receiving breastfeeding education and supports from Reachup, a Children's Board funded agency that provides a variety of support services and education to local families.

Congresswoman Castor also praised Senate President Andy Gardiner for his role in assuring that programs like Early Steps, which received $3.3 million in additional funding this year. Early Steps provides support services for babies and toddlers with developmental delays.

TAMPA BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL AWARDS 2015 NONPROFITS OF THE YEAR

CONGRATULATIONS!

Two Children's Board partners receive recognition from the Tampa Bay Business Journal as Top Nonprofit of the Year in their individual categories.

Congratulations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay for receiving the Tampa Bay Business Journal's 2015 Nonprofit of the Year in the area of Public and Societal Benefit. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides an important service to kids in the community. The nonprofit provides caring adult mentors (called 'Big Brothers' or 'Big Sisters') to children (called 'Little Brothers' or 'Little Sisters') who are facing adversity in a wide variety of life challenges.

Congratulations are also in order to Metropolitan Ministries who were recognized at the June awards ceremony as 2015 Nonprofit of the Year in the area of Crisis Resources. Metropolitan Ministries mission is to care for the homeless and those that at risk of becoming homeless through vital services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity, and instill self-sufficiency.

THE CHILDREN'S BOARD AND H.C.F.R. FOUNDATION RECOGNIZED AT

NEIGHBORHOOD CONFERENCE

The Children's Board is proud to grant funding and partner with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation for the Project S.A.F.E (Smoke Alarms for Everyone) Program. Recently, both organizations were recognized at the Hillsborough County Neighborhood Association for this important work in our community.

Liana Lopez, Juan Colon, Ronnie Rivera, and Buddy Davis at the awards ceremony

The Children's Board is committed to investing in programs to keep children and families safe in Hillsborough County. One program, Project S.A.F.E or Smoke Alarms For Everyone provides free 10 year lithium ionization smoke alarms for residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County at no charge, installation and education included. This program received special acknowledgement at the Hillsborough County Neighborhood Conference. We would like to thank the Neighborhood Conference for highlighting this important life saving program.

In 2014 Hillsborough County Fire Rescue installed over 4,000 smoke alarms in the homes of families to ensure them the best chance of survival in a residential fire!

Homes that are not protected by smoke alarms have a 50% increased rate of injury or death for occupants. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is on pace to eclipse 2014 numbers in 2015.

Are you protected? For more information please call (813) 272-6600 and ask about Project S.A.F.E.