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STEP UP SUNCOAST, INC. EARNS MULTI-YEAR COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUNDING FROM UNITED WAY SUNCOAST Contact Name: Kali Kunkle Contact Email: kkunkle@stepupsuncoast.org Contact Phone Number: 9415046135 Step Up Suncoast's role as a United Way Suncoast strategic community partner moves into a new era with the launch of a multi-year funding commitment from the venerable nonprofit leader. United Way Suncoast kicked off its new fiscal year on July 1 by initiating the distribution of a three-year grant that will deliver $150,000 to Step Up Suncoast, Inc. We will use the funds to support our Head Start and Early Head Start program which is a comprehensive childhood development programs serving children from birth to five years throughout Manatee County at our six Rise and Shine Early Learning Centers. This program focuses on closing the achievement gap for children from low-income households through early childhood education and family engagement services. We foster development in a safe, stimulating learning environment and prepare children, including children with disabilities, for success in Kindergarten while enhancing social-emotional, language, literacy, and cognitive development and addressing health, nutritional, and social services needs for our children and their families Amy Yount, CEO of Step Up Suncoast, Inc., expressed excitement about the support stating, “I am thrilled for our Head Start and Early Head Start program to receive this new three-year funding commitment that will enable us to enhance our services to the children and families we serve! Step Up Suncoast’s mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve long-term economic stability through education, support services and community partnerships. This long-term partnership will aid in making sustainable changes to the program, furthering our ability to help our children be ready for kindergarten.” The community investment represents a first in United Way Suncoast’s 98-year history — a three-year commitment to 88 nonprofits that will total nearly $18 million by fiscal year 2025. In past years, United Way Suncoast issued annual grants. The new approach will empower Step Up Suncoast, Inc. to boost the strategic planning behind the program and grow together with United Way Suncoast. “Our strategic community partners requested a change to multi-year funding and the reasons are clear,” United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff said. “It’ll create trends and allow us to measure true impact; it’ll reduce the strain of the application process for the partners and UWS, and it’ll strengthen our ability to tell stories and fundraise.” To learn more about how to give of your time, talent, and treasure, visit www.StepUpSuncoast.org. You can learn more about United Way Suncoast at www.unitedwaysuncoast.org.