It’s no secret that 2020 presented unprecedented challenges. The pandemic is still ravaging our communities, resulting in economic downturn that serves as a constant reminder of how challenging times can disproportionally impact underserved communities, as well as women and children. With challenges come opportunities, and we would like to share some of our triumphs and look forward to building a safer and stronger community together in 2021.
Safe & Sound Hillsborough persevered working within our communities to keep our youth positively engaged while utilizing technology to further our programming in virtual spaces. We are proud of the work and are certainly thankful to our donors and partners for supporting our efforts.
This year, we were able to launch a Reporting Center, serving as an alternative to confinement for juvenile offenders, to get them back on track and paired with mentors. We have partnered with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to provide mentorship and leadership training for students at Young Middle Magnet. We have become proactive in the fight for social justice and equity through our community conversations and action planning forums. We have continued to make sure mental health is thrust to the forefront of every conversation through our free virtual and in person Mental Health First Aid trainings throughout the community.
Our accomplishments provide the strength needed to face community violence concerns in our target areas. We know that we can’t do it alone, and we continue to ask the community for its support and partnership. Please, get involved, volunteer, mentor or simply give us feedback.
Together, the village WILL win!
Thank you my friends,
Freddy Barton
