September 22, 2025

“Being a single teenage mom of two, I honestly felt like I was drowning at times. When I got connected with a family navigator, everything started to shift. They didn’t just throw resources at me – they walked with me. They helped me find stable housing, childcare, and even someone to talk to when I felt alone. It made me feel like I wasn’t failing, just figuring things out with support. I learned how to advocate for myself and my kids, and that’s huge. It gave me space to breathe and focus on being the mom I want to be.”  Alana, mom of two

A child’s first few years are critical – 80% of brain development occurs by age three. First 1,000 Days Suncoast supports and connects families with resources during pregnancy and throughout a child’s first 1,000 days. This initiative is philanthropically funded through Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. It relies on the generosity of donors to keep serving at-risk children and families in our community.

The efforts of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with giving strengthened by the Patterson Foundation, during the 2024 Giving Challenge helped to support this important program. With an additional match from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, every unique donation was matched again!

Over 300 families receive support from First 1,000 Days annually. Here’s an example of just one of those families:

When Alana relocated to Sarasota with her two-year-old toddler and another baby on the way, she had no support, no housing, and no resources, having just aged out of the foster care system.

Alana reached out to Sarasota Memorial’s Pregnancy Care Team, seeking help with prenatal care. The team quickly initiated referrals for obstetrical care and other local organizations for additional help.

When Alana’s free nights at The Salvation Army ended, she was connected with the navigators at First 1,000 Days Suncoast. They worked tirelessly to find her a safe place to stay. After many calls, Safe Children Coalition stepped in to help fund a few more nights at The Salvation Army and later paid for a hotel while she awaited housing approval.

Throughout her pregnancy and now, as a mom of two, the First 1,000 Days team has become an invaluable support system for Alana. They have helped her reshape her and her children’s future into something spectacular.

With a new apartment (furnished mostly with donations from the community), Alana has big plans for her future. She has been working to save money and plans to enroll in school. She serves on the First 1,000 Days Parent Advisory Committee, helping others like her flourish.

Save the date for the 2026 Giving Challenge – April 15-16, noon to noon. You’ll have the opportunity to be the one to help strengthen healthcare in our community.