June 2024

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESK


Summer is in Full Swing

As the youth head off to their summer camps and TeensWork Alachua assignments, the work doesn't slow for the Children's Trust. We're working toward next year's budget, which goes into effect Oct. 1. This includes incorporating new funding opportunities, like the access to health care RFP, and renewing others, like enrichment programs.


We're also gearing up for WUFT's Fanfares & Fireworks event on July 3 at UF's Flavet Field. The Children's Trust is sponsoring the PBS Kids Zone, where you'll find some of our partners and tons of fun activities. We hope to see your family at this spectacular Independence Day celebration.

Marsha Kiner

RECENT HAPPENINGS

img_0264 image

TeensWork Alachua Fall Leadership program participants honored at May board meeting


State Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson offered words of encouragement to the students and presented them with certificates recognizing their accomplishment.


More photos...

Business & Leadership Institute for Early Learning graduates two dozen educators


Among the recognized were the third Master Class cohort and second Accreditation Academy group.


Read on and see more photos...

Willie Mae Stokes Community Resource Center held their Grand Opening on June 18.


Bishop Christopher Stokes, executive director of Willie Mae Stokes Community Center, shared some insight on the center's history and mission. Stokes went on to thank the Children's Trust and Partnership for Strong Families as the center's partners, as well as all supporting attendees.


More photos...

(L-R) Marsha Kiner, Bishop Stokes and Ginger Griffeth (Partnership for Strong Families president and CEO).

WHAT WE'RE HEARING


Families seek to fulfill all sorts of needs, but often don't know where to turn for a particular service.


Liz Cayson, Community Engagement Manager, says she frequently directs inquiring families to the Partnership for Strong Families, and especially its Community Resource Navigator program. The Children's Trust is proud to fund this position to help families identify resources that may be available to them. They assist with an array of needs, from baby supplies to housing support to social services connections.


If we can answer a question, or if you have a need we should consider filling in the future, please contact us.

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT

Deeper Purpose Kids Academy


The Children's Trust funds year-round programming at this High Springs-based church. The after-school and summer programs are educational, fun and give families a safe place for children all year long.


They were so excited to receive our new signs a few weeks ago, and we loved seeing the photos they shared!

RECOGNIZING CHILDREN AND YOUTH

24 students earn Citizen of the Year honors


Alachua County school district officials, parents and students turned out May 22 to celebrate 24 fifth-grade students.


Read on in a May 22 article on Mainstreet Daily News...

Board chair Lee Pinkoson was asked to speak at the Citizen of the Year celebration at the downtown library.

The Children's Trust is also proud to sponsor the Citizens of the Month, featured in the last Mainstreet Daily News issue of each month. The final group (May) will be published June 26.

The TeensWork Alachua internship program has begun! Executive Director Marsha Kiner spoke to two orientation groups in the first week of June.


The 300+ interns are working paid jobs throughout the county for six weeks, including two at the Children's Trust. If you come across a TeensWork intern this summer, encourage their ambitions and hard work!


More from the TeensWork orientation...

SUMMER FUN

COMING UP

July

3

WUFT's Fanfares & Fireworks

Join us in our sponsored area, the PBS Kids Zone!

6 p.m.

University of Florida's Flavet Field, 605 Woodlawn Drive, Gainesville

July

4

Children's Trust offices closed

Independence Day Holiday

July

13

Parent/Caregiver Training: Internet Safety for Children

6-8 p.m.

Virtual, register here.

Week of July

15

Flourish Alachua Postpartum Doula Training and Certification Initiative: Interviews for interested participants

Information session recording coming soon.

Apply here.

August

12

Children's Trust of Alachua County General Board Meeting

4 p.m.

Alachua County Health Dept., 224 SE 24th St., Gainesville

Top photo answer: Our community engagement manager, Liz Cayson, joined Gainesville Fire Rescue for "Healthy Afternoons with Fire Rescue- Let's Talk about... Mental Health" on May 29. See more photos...

Visit the Children's Trust Website

Follow us on social media:

Facebook  Instagram  X  LinkedIn  YouTube