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United Way distributes almost $500k to local non-profits
by: Jake Holter
Updated: Jul 14, 2022 / 06:32 PM CDT
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — United Way contributors are seeing evidence of their money being put to work.
The United Way of Northwest Florida is distributing nearly half a million dollars to 29 different agencies.
That’s more than three times the $150,000 handed out last year.
The Early Learning Coalition will be able to fund “Help Me Grow” services to a six-county area.
And Bay County Council on Aging’s “Meals on Wheels” volunteers are being reimbursed for the extra money they’ve spent due to higher gas prices.
President and CEO Gina Littleton said it’s exciting to see the community bouncing back after Hurricane Michael and the pandemic.
“We’re really excited to be able to say that our Community Impact Fund is three times bigger this year,” Littleton said. “I think the key reason that it’s bigger is that we just have an amazing community. We have so many fantastic supporters, so many incredible businesses that hold workplace campaigns and donate to United Way and we were very excited to be able to put almost half a million dollars back into the community this year.”
United Way will also distribute $165,000 in previously designated funds.
Click this link to learn more about how to donate.
ELC Featured on WJHG – Local organization helps struggling parents pay for child care
By Katie Bente
Published: Jul. 8, 2022 at 5:56 PM CDT
https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/08/local-organization-helps-struggling-parents-pay-child-care/
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Families everywhere are struggling to keep up. If the price increases on gas and rent weren’t enough, many parents are facing another worry: how to afford child care.
At Hawk’s Nest Learning Tree in Lynn Haven, the price of staying open is steep.
“Even the cost of supplies has gone up so getting the basic needs for the children to have is hard,” Jaimie Young, Owner and Director of Hawk’s Nest Learning Tree, said.
Hiring has been even harder.
“That’s the biggest issue we’re running into is getting employment because most people can go work down the street for more,” Young said.
The child care center has been open only a year, and already, Young said she’s had to bump up her prices by about $25. And she isn’t the only one.
“I think it probably is safe to assume that childcare is probably looking at a 25% to 35% increase,” Suzan Gage, Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, said.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for parents on a tight budget.
“Because it can cost anywhere probably $175 to $350 depending on the age of the child and that’s per week. So times two kids and someone who’s making $15, $16, $17 an hour, you’re spending the majority of your take-home pay on childcare,” Gage said. “So families are having to ask that hard question you know is it worth it?”
It’s a question the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida works to ensure no parent has to answer. The organization uses state funds to help struggling families pay for quality child care. But even then, finding a center with an opening in Bay County can feel nearly impossible.
“So in Bay County, childcare is an intense business. We’re kind of in a shortage of childcare facilities,” Gage said.
Hawk’s Nest has over 500 families on a waiting list right now. But Young said she hopes with better pay, she can recruit more people to care for those kids.
For more information on if you’re eligible for assistance with the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, you can head to here.
Copyright 2022 WJHG. All rights reserved.
Provider Appreciation Day – May 6, 2022
Today is a special day dedicated to recognizing child care providers, teachers, and other educators of young children everywhere. We thank you for your continued efforts to teach, grow, and love our children.
Provider Appreciation Day Proclamation
Short-staffed day care centers leave Bay County
families without support. What’s the solution?
ELC Featured in Panama City Beach Chamber’s The Circuit Publication – A System Designed for Development & Behavioral Screenings & Early Intervention
ELC Featured on WJHG – Local Organizations Seeing a Shortage of Early Childhood Education Teachers
By Sam Martello Published by WJHG TV: Aug. 4, 2021 at 7:34 AM CDT
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – There is a nationwide shortage of early childhood education teachers, and the same is seen here locally.
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida strives to serve learners ages 0-5 years old to create a world where all children have access to quality early education and learning experiences.
After the 7 counties, the ELCNWF serves faced severe impacts from Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are seeing a bigger need for childcare services than they have workers to provide.
Families depend on reliable childcare programs so that they can go to work and make a living to support their families. Without childcare, no one is going back to work and the economic well-being of families, businesses, and the community will suffer.
These job openings are so important to fill. If you know of a childcare business hiring, please reach out to them directly. Or you can contact the Early Learning Coalition at 850-747-5400 and ask for the Provider Development Manager.
For more information on what organizations are looking for in an early childhood education teacher, you can watch Sam’s full interview above.
Copyright 2021 WJHG. All rights reserved.
ELC Featured in Summer 2021 issue of Bay Biz Magazine – The Operation Kaleidoscope Looks to Change The Status of Child Care
WJHG: Early Learning Coalition Northwest Florida Is Helping Toddlers Get Education They Deserve
Thank You WJHG for speaking with us about our Operation Kaleidoscope initiative and our mission to assist our child care providers in their rebuilding and recovery from Hurricane Michael.