First 1,000 Days Suncoast is a regional initiative with a mission to support and connect families with resources during pregnancy and throughout a child’s first 1,000 days of life, when critical development occurs. It helps families find food, housing assistance, mental health services, childcare, educational opportunities, and more. With a partnership of over 90 partner organizations and technology to better connect families with resources, the initiative is building a strong web of support for parents, and served 306 clients in 2023 alone. First 1,000 Days Suncoast has also pioneered a family navigation program as a key part of their work, ensuring that families are accessing the services they need the most. Utilizing a care coordination technology platform, called Unite Us, a family navigator connects parents with over 200 nonprofit agencies providing individualized care to meet their needs. According to Pam Beitlich, executive director for Women and Children’s Service at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the support of multiple community partners cultivates a collaborative and coordinated approach to serving the community. Preliminary results of the navigation program showed that there were significant improvements in support networks, perceived stress levels, and mental health outcomes after assisted by a navigator. Parents reported an 89 percent improvement in their knowledge and awareness of concrete support, as well as a 35 percent increase in perceived access to social support during times of need. For parent Alysa Falk, a mother of three, being connected to First 1,000 Days Suncoast helped her deal with postpartum depression and other mental health challenges. Building a community with other mothers and families also helped her find a support system she didn’t previously have. Collaborating with Unite Us, the network streamlines the referral processes so families can be paired with assistance that most meets their needs. Data captured by Unite Us is also crucial to gaining a larger understanding of the community.