Bradenton, Fla. (February 19, 2025)— Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as the recipient of the Impact100 SRQ 2024 grant. This prestigious recognition will significantly enhance our efforts to improve the lives of children and families throughout our community.

The $109,500 grant from Impact100 SRQ will be instrumental in enhancing our Community Partnership School model aimed at helping children and families in need. The funding provided through the grant represents a vital investment in community-driven solutions that address pressing issues affecting children and families. CHS’s proposed initiative will serve not only students, but also their families and others living in the neighborhoods served by Manatee and Daughtrey Elementary Schools. Special recognition is due for the CHS team members that assisted in this grant coming to fruition, including Summer Pfeiffer, Vice President & Executive Director, Jessie Garcia, CHS Community Partnership School Director at Daughtrey Elementary School and Renita Houston, Community Partnership School Director, Manatee Elementary School.

“We are beyond honored to have been selected as the recipient of this generous grant,” said Summer Pfeiffer, Vice President & Executive Director of CHS. “This funding will help us continue to expand our Community Partnership Schools model, which is a key part of our mission to break the cycle of poverty and provide children and families with the tools they need to thrive.”

The Community Partnership Schools (CPS) model, co-founded by CHS and the University of Central Florida (UCF), has proven to be a powerful force for positive change. It improves student behavior, increases academic achievement and graduation rates, and fosters greater parental involvement. The model is based on four essential pillars: integrated wellness support, expanded learning time, family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership. This innovative approach is designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to equitable opportunities for success.

The funding from Impact100 SRQ will have a profound impact on CHS’s work at Manatee and Daughtrey Elementary Schools, where our initiatives will address some of the most pressing needs in the community. The grant will support an expanded Food Pantry and Parent Resource Center, directly improving family stability and reducing food insecurity. These critical services will benefit not just students, but their families and others living in the surrounding neighborhoods.

 “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Impact100 SRQ for the prestigious grant,” stated Jessie Garcia, CHS Community Partnership School Director. “We eagerly anticipate the remarkable opportunities that the grant will surely create, empowering CHS to enhance family engagement in education. ​This initiative will not only benefit individual families but will also contribute to the broader success of our community and the schools that shape the impactors of tomorrow.”

In addition to the expanded services, CHS plans to enhance the Parent Resource Center at both schools by utilizing portables donated and renovated by Manatee County School District. This space will offer nutrition and educational classes, helping parents better support their children’s learning. A new Food Pantry will also be established at Daughtrey Elementary, with support from Feeding Tampa Bay, providing access to essential items such as meat, dairy, and fresh produce for families in need.

The impact of this grant cannot be overstated. It represents a powerful investment in community-driven solutions that address the challenges facing children and families in our area. By furthering our Community Partnership Schools model and expanding essential services like food and family support, CHS is poised to create lasting change that will benefit generations to come.

This recognition from Impact100 SRQ is a testament to the trust placed in CHS by the communities we serve and the powerful partnerships that enable us to make a difference. With the support of Impact100 SRQ, we are more equipped than ever to serve our mission and continue transforming lives.