Children's Trust Tidbits - May Newsletter

May 2024

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESK

Goodbye to School, and Hello to Summer!

Here at the Children's Trust, we're looking forward to summer fun just as much as the kids are. We are thrilled that 1,275 youth will experience one of 20 summer camp programs through scholarships, and another 260 teens will have the opportunity to earn hands-on internship experience through TeensWork Alachua. Thank you to our partners in these efforts, as well as all the camp counselors and TeensWork employers, who are dedicated to giving our youth a memorable and enriching experience this year.

RECENT HAPPENINGS

Children's Trust opens funding opportunity to address healthcare barriers for Alachua County families

The three-year contracts will require providers to expand access to physical pediatric wellbeing services, such as primary care, dental care, and other similar needs, as well as assist with care coordination and navigation.

Keep Reading...

In the News: Summer youth employment program looking for business partners

Leila Galloso, a 2023 TeensWork Alachua intern, earned continued employment with Trinity's Day Spa. She had a chance to talk to TV20 about her experience in the summer program.

The next round of interns will head to 98 worksites around the county in the next few weeks.

Blue pinwheels were April's Yard Decor

The Children's Trust office wore blue and planted pinwheels in front of our building on April 5 in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

WHAT WE'RE HEARING

One of the most common questions we get is about services for children with special needs.

Liz Cayson, Community Engagement Manager, says she frequently directs families to the University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD).

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

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT

A man reads a book to a group of children.

Akwaaba Freedom School

The Children's Trust funds this 6-week literacy program for Alachua County students. Freedom Schools offer a fun, high-quality reading curriculum, extracurricular activities and weekly field trips. This summer program kicks off again on June 10.

Learn more...

RECOGNIZING CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The end of the school year means we'll soon learn the 24 fifth graders, representing each ACPS school, dubbed Citizens of the Year. We're proud to sponsor the Citizens of the Month, featured in the last Mainstreet Daily News issue of each month.

At the May 13 General Board Meeting of the Children's Trust, we will celebrate 24 young achievers who participated in the inaugural TeensWork Alachua Fall Leadership program. These students sharpened their leadership skills, learned about the importance of civic engagement, and practiced soft skills employability training. They left the program with a tangible reward, too, each passing the test to earn the Florida Ready to Work certification.