The Village Hands

“The Village Hands Mobile Unit”

Organizational Overview:

The Village Hands (TVH) was founded in 2019. Our organization improves the quality of life of families with children in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. We accomplish this by providing a variety of assistance to meet the individual needs of our client families. We provide community referrals, education, and daily living essentials. We have a long term commitment to those we serve with an aim to increase self-sufficiency by empowering families.

Project Overview:

Transportation is a key barrier for the clients TVH serves. For example, recently a young mother of six, with her seventh on the way, needed to take two of her sons to follow up doctor visits but was unable to do so due to a lack of a personal vehicle and funds for public transportation. TVH offered transportation for them in an Uber but the mother was determined to find a ride. She kept the offer in mind if she was unable to get a ride. While she found a ride to her sons’ appointments, she did not make it to her own OBGYN appointment the next day. Our current project list for this year includes acquiring a van to start The Village Hands Mobile Unit to help clients overcome transportation barriers. The van will be used to provide transportation to our families and children who are unable to do so through their own support network and assist in getting in-kind donations from the community to families.

Equality and Inclusion:

As is demonstrated in TVH’s policy, our clients and volunteers represent a diverse cross section of the population in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. We currently serve and will continue to serve any families regardless of race, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, or physical or mental disabilities. Our small volunteer staff and regular donors consists of Asian, African, and Hispanic Americans, same sex couples, childless adults and couples, parents, and grandparents. Also, Executive Director Peabody has significant experience as a case manager with the LGBTQ community through previous positions.

Community Impact:

The grant will allow TVH to provide services to families struggling on a wider scale, particularly those without transportation, a major barrier to getting services in the community. The grant will advance Sunday’s Child vision by allowing TVH greater access to more families, thereby enabling us to bring much needed services to families facing transportation and other barriers. Not only will we be able to deliver services to these families, it will provide an opportunity to ensure clients are continuing their care and meeting their daily living needs. For example, TVH will be able to deliver and transport in a timely manner some families to doctor visits, interviews, and grocery trips.

Children's Home Society of Florida

“Homeless Youth Outreach”

Organizational Overview:

Children's Home Society of Florida was founded in 1902 by caring community leaders in Jacksonville, to help find families for the nearly 400 children who stepped off the trains in Florida. At the time, no system or laws existed to protect a child from abuse. From there CHSFL grew rapidly, eventually expanding into the fifteen current divisions one of them being the Western Division, centered in Pensacola, established to provide foster and adoptive services to our four county area since 1920. Throughout the 20th century, as the child welfare climate changed, CHSFL responded with adaptive and innovative services. We serve on front end to prevent abuse, intervention to reunify families safely and provide trauma-informed counseling services for all clients if needed and lastly serve youth: in school, at-risk and homeless youth. All services provided to build a bridge for all children to realize their potential.

Project Overview:

Your funding will support basic needs, cross branded materials, marketing and pop up life skills kits to ensure we are meeting the needs of all homeless youth we encounter. CHS would love to enhance this work through Sunday’s Child with purchasing pop-up life skills equipment (pop up projectors, screens, and computer materials) and by cross branding Sunday’s Child and CHS with awareness billboards throughout the two county area and cross-branded materials including backpacks, hygiene kits, shirts and sweatshirts to ensure our youth are engaging with our teams to the fullest resulting in safe shelter, independence sustaining life skills and connectivity to local resources that can keep them safe. With more than 120% of our LGBTQI youth at a higher risk of experiencing homelessness, your support will continue and expanding our teaching of culturally competent, LGBTQI friendly curriculum.

Equality and Inclusion:

At CHS, we are certified by the Human Right Campaign as an All Children All Families site - promoting equality and inclusion across all programming. We join Sunday’s Child in a vision where our community is fully accepting and inclusive and that embraces LGBTQ citizens and their contributions to the community. This project specifically serves youth programming with the highest population of the LGBTQ community. We have learned that these youth talk to one another so we receive many referrals from those youth who go through this program. Our goal is to serve all of youth including those who are marginalized to ensure they are safe, know their worth and have a plan for the future.

Community Impact:

This grant will allow us to reach more of our homeless youth in the Escambia and Santa Rosa County area, providing support necessary to get them secure, safe and create a plan for their future. Over the past year our Street Outreach team, not being able to meet youth how we typically do, got creative to ensure we were meeting the needs of our homeless youth and in turn served more homeless and runaway youth. Your gift would allow us to enhance these pop-up classes and gatherings. Additionally, it will showcase to more of our homeless youth who are marginalized and have been disconnected from their families, that someone cares about them and they can have a life they love.

Bright Bridge Ministries

“Uninterrupted Power, Uninterrupted Service”

Organizational Overview:

Bright Bridge Ministries (BBM) is a non-profit agency that began as an outreach ministry of Richards Memorial United Methodist Church to address the needs of the hungry with the name Pensacola United Methodist Community Ministries (PUMCM) in the Brownsville community. Since 2007 we have been working with vulnerable and under-resourced residents: homeless individuals and families, veterans, people with mental illness, former inmates, substance abusers and others in need. In 2019 PUMCM changed our name and identity to Bright Bridge Ministries (BBM) to propel forward with a renewed sense of purpose. Programs have been added including mail service, basic needs, addiction resources, job placement, HIV testing, a transitional supportive residency program and other empowering services. We served over 56,000 meals in 2020.

Project Overview:

Uninterrupted Power, Uninterrupted Service will address the known need BBM has for a generator to power our kitchen, including our commercial, walk-in refrigerator/freezer and other kitchen appliances. During Hurricane Sally we used the wrong size generator and almost damaged our commercial, walk-in freezer that Sunday's Child funded in 2017. The new generator will be ordered as soon as funding notification is received. This project will benefit the many individuals who participate in our hot, healthy meal program. In 2020 we served 56,000 meals, an increase from the 22,000 meals we served in 2019. Grant funding will be used for the purchase and installation of the generator.

Equality and Inclusion:

BBM's mission is aligned with Sunday's Child mission and vision in that we provide services to all. BBM's non- discrimination policy is Sunday's Child's non-discrimination policy. This project is aligned with Sunday Child's mission and vision because we serve all. We do not have any qualifying criteria in place for individuals to participate in our meal service, or any of our basic need programs. Other organizations have age, income, or other restrictions to receive food. BBM meals are available to all.

Community Impact:

This grant will positively impact BBM by ensuring that should our power service be interrupted, we will not lose the food in our refrigerator/freezer and the ability to prepare and serve food. This in turn positively impacts the community so that in times of natural disaster we can continue to serve those in need. This project is aligned with Sunday's Child's vision in that BBM will be able to share the contributions of Sunday's Child with our audience and supporters.

A HOPE

“Driving Towards Affordable Vet Care”

Organizational Overview:

A HOPE stands for "Animal Health Outreach Prevention Education". We formed in September of 2017 in order to provide our community with resources for their pets and community cats in order to keep them in their homes and out of overcrowded shelters. Our goal is to lead mindset change by empowering animal lovers with the idea they can do something to lessen intake and end needless euthanasia in our sheltering system. We are 100% volunteer run with programs to transport animals to get fixed and vaccinated, provide food to the pets of the elderly shut-ins and low income, foster the neediest of animals while preparing them for adoption, and encourage policy and protocol change in, and around, our county for animals to have healthy and live outcomes.

Project Overview:

Our most beneficial program is the transport service for animals to be fixed and vaccinated at a clinic 2.5 hours away. We provide this service for individuals who are eager to get their animals the care they deserve and limit procreation and the spread of disease. The funding from this grant will allow us to purchase a new cargo van to safely continue the program. Our current van has over 118,000 miles and gets regular inspections and services yet we have, more than once, had to get a jump on it. This is terrifying when so many count on us. The 50 to 75 animals and their owners/caretakers, PER trip every other week, need this service to continue until we get our clinic functioning on the 25 acres we own. The van can be purchased and functional within a month and run trips for a minimum of 5 years.

Equality and Inclusion:

We are all-inclusive when it comes to helping community members care for their pets and outdoor cats. We do not judge, limit, or restrict any person from using our services. We keep our prices affordable in order to help people keep their animals healthy, no matter what their income level or status.

Community Impact:

Sunday's Child has the vision of making our area accepting and inclusive of all humans, no matter their affiliation or preference, plus showcasing the contributions received by the members. This grant will purchase a safer and more reliable van over 2,000 animals per year, traveling over 7,500 miles, use. The Sunday's Child logo will be proudly displayed on this lifesaving vehicle. If your organization is looking to open the eyes of people who may have never crossed paths with the organization, this van and the precious cargo it will transport, will definitely cross those borders.

CIL of Northwest Florida

“Mobility Access Project”

Organizational Overview:

Founded in 1980, CIL of Northwest Florida (CILNWF) works with people with all types of disabilities (consumers), assisting them with achieving their goals for independence so they can live with dignity in their community. It is our purpose to encourage, motivate, train and guide consumers so they can achieve their highest desired quality of life. We provide five core services of Information and Referral, Individual and Systems Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Mentoring and Transition Services (youth and nursing home/institutional). Team members at CILNWF take pride in providing services to people with all types of disabilities, all ages, all races, cultures and ethnicities, all gender/gender identities and sexual orientations, all religions, marital statuses, veteran statuses, and any other characteristics who reside in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties.

Project Overview:

People with disabilities want to have equal access in their communities so they can be included, make their own choices, and live their best lives. Barriers to mobility and transportation limits independence and impedes access to everyday life activities which may include employment, healthcare, recreation, and general access to the community. Many people with physical disabilities rely on modified vehicles and other mobility equipment for transportation. Maintenance and repairs for this type of equipment can be very expensive and cost prohibitive for many people with disabilities who live on extremely limited incomes. The Mobility Access Project (MAP) aims to provide assistance to people with physical disabilities who rely on mobility equipment and/or modified vehicles for transportation and who lack the resources to pay for needed equipment, maintenance, and repairs.

Equality and Inclusion:

People with disabilities want to live as independently as possible and be seen as valued, contributing members of society. At CILNWF, our mission, vision and values are to promote full access, equality, and inclusion by advocating for non-discriminatory systems and break down barriers to independence across all intersectionalities.

Community Impact:

The MAP Project, in partnership with Sunday's Child, will allow us to further expand the reach of CILNWF's core values of Dignity and Respect, Ethics and Integrity, Diversity, Collaboration and Service by providing greater opportunities for people to have access, be included, experience equality, and to be an accepted contributor to their community.

United for a Good Cause

“Hope Squad Peer-To-Peer Suicide Prevention Program”

Organizational Overview:

United for a Good Cause, Inc. (U4aGC) became a FL non-profit corp. 8/27/2012. The purpose is to promote the SPIRIT OF SERVICE, GIVING, UNITY and RESILIENCY while instilling HOPE within the youth in our region. We do this through our Christmas Miracle Fiesta providing food and gifts to over 1000 children and families each year, our annual YOUth LEADership Conference for middle and high school kids. In 2020 we launched the HOPE SQUAD peer-to-peer evidence based suicide prevention program for schools. We have a goal of ZERO suicides in our schools as the program grows forward. Students are nominated by their peers then invited to participate as a member with parent approval. The squad of 30-40 kids help become the eyes and ears of the school. They spread kindness and encourage struggling peers to get help from a qualified adult. We serve youth in Escambia through Walton County.

Project Overview:

In 2019 Escambia County was #TWO in Florida suicides ages 10-14 & #FOUR ages 15-18. THESE ARE ALARMING STATISTICS! WE MUST SAVE OUR KIDS. Hope Squads reduce youth suicides through education, training, and peer intervention. 75+% of kids will tell a peer before attempting. Hope Squad creates a safe school environment for ALL students including all ethnicities, races, LGBTQ+, and peer groups. It promotes connectedness, supports anti-bullying, encourages mental wellness, reduces mental health stigma and helps prevent substance misuse. The Sunday’s Child Grant along with guaranteed matching funds from Escambia School District, will fund the curriculum and advisor certifications for the 5 remaining high schools in Escambia County FOR A LIFETIME. The program starts in September, 2021 in these 5 schools supporting all 10,412 high school students throughout their high school years.

Equality and Inclusion:

When students are nominated by their peers, you get a diverse representation of ALL classes and student groups as students nominate people trusted in THEIR circle. This eliminates the popularity contest, promotes equality and inspires inclusion by not leaving out the artsy kids, science nerds, band, sports heroes, LGBTQ+, party kids - ALL RACES and ETHNICITIES, etc. Advisors ensure all groups are represented. When these diverse groups come together for one dedicated mission, unity begins to happen and they lead by example for all students. They discuss what it is to be a member of "their" group. Inclusion curriculum (and LGBTQ specific curriculum) is trained and promoted.

Community Impact:

With this grant, 10,000+ Escambia high school students will learn what it is to have HOPE with honest, caring support from their peers. Lives will be saved as the program continues year after year. LGBTQ students will feel they have a resource to turn to and feel a level of acceptance not experienced before. HOPE SQUAD members, parents, teachers and staff are trained on LGBTQ acceptance and inclusion as well as warning signs for suicide. Students will be empowered to speak up when they see bullying, or see a peer struggling emotionally or hear someone talk about wanting to end their life. Awareness happens on all levels. Kindness is spread throughout the school.

UWF Historic Trust

“Queering the Archive”

Organizational Overview:

The history of our organization goes back to the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966, which served as the impetus for the establishment of the Pensacola Historic Preservation and Restoration Commission in 1967. Since then, there have been several merges and name changes, including in 2009 when the Pensacola Historical Society merged with West Florida Historic Preservation (est. 2001). In 2013, the name changed to the UWF Historic Trust to emphasize that the sites, structures, collections, programs and exhibits of the organization represent a public Trust. Currently the UWF Historic Trust manages Historic Pensacola, including 28 historic properties in downtown Pensacola and Arcadia Mill in Milton. The organization serves the larger Pensacola Bay area to collect, preserve, interpret, and share the history of Northwest Florida.

Project Overview:

This project addresses the need to diversify the UWF Historic Trust archival holdings by expanding our collection to include the local history of the queer community in Pensacola. The current archive has very little material related to the local LGBTQ+ community. Expanding this aspect of the archive will benefit future researchers and the community as a whole. Queering the Archive seeks to capture oral histories, photographic material, documents, and related items from Pensacola's rich and diverse past. Volunteers, UWF students, compensated assistants, and UWF Historic Trust staff will work to build on the momentum of a recent exhibit about the Emma Jones Society to begin collecting archival material. This grant will fund a research position, collect and archive material, film oral histories, and expand the holdings of our collection.

Equality and Inclusion:

The UWF Historic Trust and its Queering the Archive project will seek to collect stories of the LGBTQ+ community for preservation and inclusion in the archive. Traditionally, the material contained in the archive is donated by local families in the community but very little material relates to queer citizens, events, or locations. In an effort to support and share the stories of all people who live in northwest Florida, Queering the Archive will promote equality and inclusion by collecting those stories that are currently underrepresented in our archive and preserve their history for posterity.

Community Impact:

The Sunday's Child grant award will allow the UWF Historic Trust to continue our mission to preserve, collect, and share the stories of northwest Florida and all that live here. By funding the Queering the Archive initiative, Sunday's Child will help preserve stories in Pensacola that promote equality and inclusion. The UWF Historic Trust archive will be able to expand our collections to include more diverse backgrounds, to share these recollections with the larger community, and to highlight and celebrate the contributions LGBTQ+ citizens make to the region.

Gulf Coast Kid’s House

“Training for Working with LGBTQ+ Victims of Abuse”

Organizational Overview:

Gulf Coast Kid's House (GCKH) opened as Escambia County's only child advocacy center in 2004. GCKH combines all of the professionals and resources needed to investigate, treat and prosecute child abuse cases under one child-friendly roof. Having all of the agencies involved in these complex cases in one “house” breaks down information silos, limits the number of times children have to re-tell (and therefore re-live) their story of abuse, and creates an opportunity for each child’s case to be seen and discussed by multiple disciplines. GCKH sees approximately 3,000 victims of child abuse each year. GCKH also has a robust child abuse prevention education program. We teach child abuse and trafficking prevention to all Escambia County K-12 students and offer a variety of trainings for adults online and in-person.

Project Overview:

Each year, GCKH surveys the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) in our building regarding their satisfaction and any training needs. Last year, the group identified that they needed more training on working with the LGBTQ+ population. We worked with Equality Florida to conduct two trainings for our team. The trainings were very helpful, but they were not specifically geared toward LGBTQ+ children who had experienced the trauma of child abuse. After much searching and inquiry, it was discovered that a training like this didn't exist. This grant will fund the creation of a training which addresses best practices when working with LGBTQ+ child victims of abuse and their non-offending caregivers. This training will be created through collaboration with Equality Florida and Counsel & Connect.

Equality and Inclusion:

This project is in keeping with Sunday's Child's mission and vision because it raises awareness regarding best practices when working with LGBTQ+ youth and caregivers.

Community Impact:

Our hope is to develop a virtual training that can be shared with the twenty-seven other child advocacy centers (like GCKH) in the state of Florida. The training would also be posted as a resource on Equality Florida and Counsel & Connect's website. GCKH belongs to the National Children's Alliance and can disseminate the training through their network as well.