The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation has provided Children First with a $25,000 COVID Recovery Assistance grant to support agency operations across all 15 sites throughout North Port, Sarasota, and Venice. This brings the Foundation’s total giving in 2021 to $75,000 in recognition of Children First’s mission, critical services, and community impact as well as the agency’s 60th anniversary year. Children First’s staff continues to serve on the front lines as they provide the highest quality care possible each day for hundreds of infants, toddlers, and children. Nearly 90% of families served by Children First are currently living below the Federal Poverty Level ($21,960 for a family of three), and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 has been catastrophic for those already facing a financial “cliff.” The results of reduced work hours, job loss, and unexpected medical bills puts these families at increased risks of housing and food insecurity as well as related health problems.

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