As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Children First serves hundreds of children and their families living at or below the Federal Poverty Level ($23,030 for a family of three) across 15 locations each year. At a recent ribbon cutting ceremony, Children First unveiled the new nature activity center at its’ Venice campus. Another activity center has also been installed at its North Port location. The garden-based items include raised fences, hanging flowerpots, a dual chamber compost tumbler, soil and seeds, a worm farm, and hoses that will encourage a love of learning and nature among the children.

“When children play outdoors, it helps to foster their intellectual, emotional, social and physical development. Being surrounded by nature creates an ever-changing and free-flowing environment that stimulates the senses and truly makes learning fun,” says Vice President of Programs Kathleen Sullivan. “Nature also provides countless opportunities for discovery, creativity, and problem-solving. We are deeply grateful to FPL and Suncoast Charities for their critical support of those we serve, as our children are future stewards of the earth and environment around us.” “We’re proud to support Children First with this investment in its STEM and sustainability programming to help empower our next generation of leaders and innovators,” FPL External Affairs Manager Devaney Iglesias said. “Suncoast Charities for Children, FPL, and Children First share a common value of making the community we serve a better place to live, work, and raise a family. This project is a great example of that value we all share and will have such a positive impact on preschool students for years to come,” says Lucy Nicandri, Executive Director of Suncoast Charities.