October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the time where we engage, empower, and elevate our awareness and advocacy efforts surrounding Breast Cancer. 

During this month and every month we stand with our Escambia County residents who are in the midst of their journey, celebrate survivors, and honor those we have lost.

Escambia Children's Trust Announces Intent to Award ITB 2024-01 to United Way of West Florida

Pensacola, FL, October 10, 2024 - The Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) is pleased to announce its intent to award ITB 2024-01 Healthy Schools Escambia to United Way of West Florida. This partnership highlights ECT’s commitment to investing in programs that enhance the well-being of children and families throughout Escambia County.

United Way of West Florida, a trusted and respected community organization, will utilize the awarded funds to implement targeted initiatives that align with ECT’s mission of improving the quality of life for children. This collaboration aims to expand resources, provide vital support, and address critical needs that impact the youth in our community.

“Impactful and innovative services are found in committed collaboration,” said Lindsey Cannon, Executive Director of Escambia Children’s Trust. “We at ECT feel confident with the proposed partnership because the process for developing this partnership was intentional, thoughtful and inclusive of the feedback from the schools that will be the recipients.”

This initiative is the implementation of the CDC’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child framework with direct service provision to be provided by a partnership of 10 partner organizations led by the United Way of West Florida. Included in the partnership are, Achieve Escambia, University of West Florida, YMCA, Council on Aging, Picked at Perfection, Community Health Northwest Florida, Lakeview Center, Gulf Coast Kids House, ARC Gateway and Legal Services of North Florida.

This funding by the Escambia Children’s Trust to intended to promote healthy development, education, and overall well-being for children through this network of wraparound services. United Way of West Florida’s has served in the Pensacola community for over 100 years and has shown extensive expertise in collaboration, convening, community outreach and service delivery to ensure these goals will be met with excellence and care.

ECT’s intent to award will include high-quality health services, social services, mentoring and afterschool services focused on physical, social and mental health. The project will be implemented in 6-10 Escambia County Schools. The project period will be up to 60 months, extending no later than June 30, 2029.  

The Escambia Children’s Trust looks forward to the successful implementation of this initiative and encourages community members to stay informed about the progress of this important work.

For more information about this award and upcoming programs, please visit www.escambiachildrenstrust.org

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West Florida High School Graduate Navigates Through Challenges for Success

For many students, the path through high school is full of challenges. For one West Florida High School alumni, those challenges almost led to dropping out. But thanks to the intervention of the Children’s Home Society Navigator Program (funded by Escambia Children’s Trust) and the dedication of a mentor, Akeria Simmons’ life has taken a completely different course.

Simmons faced challenges at West Florida High School with her future uncertain. She then went to Success Academy, a program designed to help students get back on track. It was there that she crossed paths with Mr. Alexander, a mentor and guiding figure who would help change the course of her life.

Mr. Alexander saw the potential in her, even when she couldn’t see it herself. Through the Navigator Program, which focuses on providing one-on-one mentorship and support for students, he was able to give her the guidance she needed. He not only helped her refocus on her education but also connected her with a military recruiter who introduced her to the opportunities available in the Marine Corps.

Thanks to the Navigator Program and Mr. Alexander's mentorship, this student had a pivotal moment in her life that led her to successful opportunities. Today, she’s preparing to serve our country for the Marine Corps, embarking on a path toward service, discipline, and success.

“This is exactly what the Navigator Program was designed for,” said Lindsey Cannon, Executive Director of Escambia Children’s Trust. “It’s about meeting students where they are, supporting them through their struggles, and guiding them toward brighter futures.”

The Escambia Children’s Trust continues to work toward its mission of helping students through support of high-quality children’s programs and services, research, education and advocacy. Through partnerships like the Navigator Program, ECT is ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their circumstances.

For Simmons, the journey is just beginning, but her story is a powerful example of how community programs and dedicated mentors can change lives. From a student facing challenges to a United Staes Marine, her turnaround serves as inspiration for others who might feel like they’re out of options. The Navigator Program serves as a reminder that there’s always a path forward.

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The Fall season has brought many exciting events and celebrations to our community. The ECT Team has had the privilege to be amongst many partners to recognize and acknowledge the success of our partners. We invite you to live vicariously through these commemorative events and witness the network of resources available to the public.

Soul Bowl

Pensacola High School and Project Pride Community Appreciation Game

The ECT Team and other community partners were invited to attend the Pensacola High School vs. Escambia High School football game. Community partners were personally escorted to the field for a public recognition ceremony to celebrate contributions to Pensacola High School and Project PRIDE. We have observed the academic and athletic successes made over the years and share the enthusiasm observed in the school and Project Pride participants. The Village has wrapped its arms around this school and the positive impact is demonstrated through the progress demonstrated on and off the fields of play! 

Nonie's Place One-Year Anniversary Celebration

If you have not had a chance to visit Nonie’s Place, this is a service that will console and educate the community. The realization is that everyone grieves differently, and a variety of strategies are required to comfort those who endure grief. This celebration marked the one-year anniversary of the program and the benchmark of over 300 children and families served in Escambia County. Participants have been provided a safe, nurturing environment through camps, individual and group counseling, and even art therapy. The vibrant colors and soothing, special touches appeal to all who dawn the consoling doors. The staff provides hope and reassurance that you are never alone at Nonie’s Place!  

Help Me Grow Escambia - Touch a Truck

This was a wonderful opportunity for community partners to share resources and information with families to ensure they are informed about free services that exists in the area. Children were able to explore a variety of different trucks, speak to first responders, and touch the variety of buttons that light up and make loud sounds on the trucks. This interactive event also provided families the opportunity to learn about their child’s developments, as well as developmental screenings. Happy faces and laughter were observed with the discoveries of resources and assistance that will make a positive difference in their lives. 

If you have children ages 0-8 years of age and would like to know more about their development - whether it is behavioral, educational, physical, or emotional, Help Me Grow Escambia has the resources you need. 

Contact a care coordinator by calling 850-378-0322.

Join the Escambia Children's Trust at our monthly board meeting!

These meetings are open to the public, and we encourage our community to attend. Ask questions, get your questions answered, or simply listen to the plans that we are setting in place for the Trust.

If you can't attend the meeting, you can find more details on our website at www.escambiachildrenstrust.org/meetings.

To stay up-to-date with the Escambia Children's Trust, check out our website at EscambiaChildrensTrust.org. 

If you want to know all about what we're doing at the Trust, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@escambiachildrenstrust), and stay subscribed to our newsletter, The Community Voice.