FKHSC Early Childhood Education and Nutrition Support Initiatives Funded by United Way of Collier and the Keys

Monroe County, FL— The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition is happy to announce our continued partnership with the United Way of Collier and the Keys. UWCK has provided $10,500 to the Coalition in support of our mission to unite people and resources to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women, children and their families in Monroe County. This grant will partially fund our education and nutrition resources from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. In addition to this generous support, UWCK stepped up and dedicated an additional $500 in as a one-time COVID-19 grant to help us keep our staff and clients safe while following best practices.

Our Keys to Growing Kids program provides early childhood education, development and parenting support through Tot Time, Wiggles & Giggles, and Nurture Your Newborn groups. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and shut down, FKHSC pivoted to virtual platforms, including private classes, live streams, and video activities. FKHSC will continue to provide virtual services for the foreseeable future. We will continue to err on the side of caution to allow families not yet comfortable with face-to-face interaction to obtain services and access programs.

Over the years the Coalition has been the go-to agency to help pregnant women, parents and caregivers to make informed choices and to provide appropriate nutritious and healthy food for themselves, their infants, and their families. In response to COVID-19, the Coalition has partnered with all food distribution sites to give out information on our program and to be the formula and baby food resource for our community. Food distribution entities do not have the funding nor space to stock the vast variety of formula and nutritional supplements for all families. Babies cannot change brand/type of formula (often prescribed by a doctor) without digestive issues. The Coalition has formula and baby food available. We will distribute it along with diapers and other essential baby items through contactless delivery in adherence with social distancing and quarantine guidelines.

Our partnership with United Way of Collier and the Keys has ensured we are able to meet the growing need of families. In the last 3 months our requests for services have quadrupled. Without support from UWCK families would be struggling. On behalf of the board, staff, and families we serve: Thank You.

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