Wrapping up 2023🎁
As 2023 comes to an end, we want to highlight the wonderful partnerships, connections, experiences, and feedback that have contributed to our work!
Visioning Event
First 1000 Days Partner Celebration & Visioning Event
Location: Resilient Retreat
Photo captured by: Roni Padua Photography
Thank you to our dedicated partners and parent leaders! Together, we have made a tremendous impact on the lives of families and children in our community. Through our collaborative efforts, we have provided resources, guidance, and innovative solutions to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. We are grateful for our strong network of support and empowerment for families, fostering a nurturing environment where children can thrive. We are proud to continue our work together in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
“I really enjoyed hearing the direct impact it had on participants and hearing their testimonials.
I also enjoyed hearing about the ways you are connecting helping professionals together to create a better support for families.”
“Having the sense that we are all part of the bigger picture and that there are so many area agencies who provide services.”
“I am excited to have a more connected and stronger network with which to serve families. I also love the comprehensive approach that First 1000 Days uses to support families (i.e. material goods, mental health counseling, education, support groups).”
❤️ We want to send a huge thank you to Kameron Hodgens for her brilliant leadership of the initiative’s Steering Committee for the past two years! We are ecstatic to welcome Kelly Romanoff as the newly elected chair who undoubtedly will successfully lead us through the next iteration of our Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan.
Impact Page
Take a look at the difference we have ALL made in the community! 👏
Our accomplishments would not be possible without the tight-knit partnerships we’ve fostered with professionals and parents.
Check out our new Impact Page!
Parent Leaders
First 1000 Days is proud to recognize parent leaders like Caty, Lindsay, and Meghan. These strong mothers serve on our Parent Advisory Committee providing support through their lived experience and feedback on important marketing material. We have built a safe space for parents to feel empowered to share their voices which steers the work of our initiative.
If you know of a parent who is interested in becoming a leader in our work, please reach out to our Family Navigator, 📧 Tina-Wilson@smh.com
A special thanks to Lindsay, Tonika, and Maria for serving on the Steering Committee and bringing parent perspectives and voices to the forefront of the work.
First 1000 Days coordinated a weekend gathering in December with our Parent Advisory Committee in Venice and Sarasota to provide them with family photos for the holidays.✨ We have had the amazing opportunity to see our mothers flourish in life and parenting and help build their confidence to where it radiates! Thank you to the talented Roni Padua Photography for capturing special moments of our families!
Professional Connections
Networking, collaborating, and expanding knowledge are important aspects of our initiative work. First 1000 Days is always looking for new ways to get involved in the community and broaden our partnerships and resources.
In 2023, our Relations Coordinator, Janice, fostered collaboration through individual meetings with 65 diverse partner organizations. The First 1000 Days team actively participated in 300+ community meetings to gain insight into community needs and ensure the initiative aligns with and supports shared regional goals.
We also had the opportunity to present at Florida’s 8th Annual Perinatal Mental Health Conference in Tallahassee. Many thanks to Janice, Carla Johanns with Forty Carrots, and Lindsay Bramley, parent advisor for First 1000 Days Suncoast for presenting the important and impactful work of the initiative and its Perinatal Mental Health Coordination Hub!
If you or someone you know is interested in connecting with us, please reach out to our Relations Coordinator, 📧 Janice-Houchins@smh.com
Navigation Service
Our wonderful Family Navigator, Tina Wilson, promptly connects with clients who are seeking assistance. Tina then performs a screening and sends referrals on the client’s behalf to agencies that provide direct services, all through the Unite Us platform. Caregivers and families can fill out an assistance request form or call 941-263-2552 to get connected!
2023 Data
“I could just cry. I have come a long way and now my children are happier and more joyful.”