Dear Friends,
Each year, an increasing number of students are entering schools with circumstances and with needs that schools are not prepared (or in most cases are under-funded or staffed) to accommodate.
As the demographics and economic stratification of society change, so, too, does the public's interest and willingness to support schools for "other people's" children or for services for the increasing number of youth with various social, personal, emotional, or for that matter, health-related needs.
Overall, insufficient funding has severely diminished the options that many programs serving large numbers of at-risk students are able to provide.
There are not enough words to express the significance of participation, financial contributions, donations, volunteerisms and sponsorships for community-based agencies. I encourage everyone to play an active role in helping to improve the education, health, and welfare of all children.
We believe that effectively linking and building upon existing community resources, will lead to better utilization of education and other opportunities.
I welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure the success of our youth in Tampa Bay.
Tina Young
Executive Director