Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida
“Equipment and Assistive Technology for Independence Program”

Organizational Overview:

The Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida (CILNWF) is dedicated to fostering independence for people with disabilities. We provide personalized needs assessments, goal-setting guidance, and individualized support from our team of independent living specialists, who are themselves people with disabilities. We serve individuals with all types of disabilities, all ages, and all identities in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties. Our mission extends beyond individual support; we also participate in advocacy initiatives to break down physical and attitudinal barriers to independent living.

Project Summary:

The Equipment and Assistive Technology for Independence Program gives opportunities for a higher quality of life for each participant. We endeavor to meet the unique needs of each person to optimize their independence. Grant funds will be allocated in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties to purchase needed equipment and assistive technology for optimizing the independence of individual people with disabilities. Staffing costs for this program are paid through state and federal contracts. Like Sunday’s Child, we want to provide services to as many people as possible. Funding for this program will be $200 to $1,000 per person. Using the example of these limits, we would be able to assist 20 to 100 people. In the last 16 months we purchased 389 equipment items totaling

$15,590.40 which assisted 289 people. We had $24,566.92 of Assistive Technology items that we could not purchase for people due to funding limitations. CILNWF has operated this program at some level for 30 of the 44 years we have been providing comprehensive services to the community. We regularly apply for grants allowing us to further expand the program. The program itself is sustainable through our recycle, reuse, refurbishment efforts.

Equality, Inclusion, and Recognition of Sunday’s Child:

CILNWF will recognize Sunday’s Child support on our website, social media and in e-newsletters. We will add both your name and logo as a funder to our sites and brochures. Additionally, all items purchased with Sunday’s Child funds will have an “SC” identifier as part of the inventory number. With constituents’ permission, we will share photographs of people using equipment and assistive technology devices from this grant.

Community Impact:

Sunday’s Child will see your investment in people with disabilities today will have a profound impact on the lives of people from all aspects of the community. Please support our common mission for inclusion of ALL! Together Sunday’s Child and CILNWF can make it happen!

Feeding the Gulf Coast
“Wellness on Wheels”

Organizational Overview:

Feeding the Gulf Coast serves 24 counties spanning South Alabama, South Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle. In 2023, the food bank distributed more than 32 million meals through more than 800 community partners throughout its service area. Beyond food distribution, the food bank operates multiple hunger relief and nutrition programs, including child and senior nutrition programs, benefits outreach, nutrition education, and disaster relief. Feeding the Gulf Coast is one of the most efficient nonprofits nationally, with over 98% of all donations being put back into the community. FTGC is a partner food bank of Feeding America.

Project Summary:

Feeding the Gulf Coast seeks support for a new healthcare partnership aimed at addressing nutrition and community health. We are partnering our Mobile Market, "Millie," with Oasis’s Mobile STD Testing Unit. Funding from Sunday’s Child will provide vouchers for fresh produce from "Millie." This collaboration aims to address nutrition and health needs in vulnerable communities through 20 events in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties over the 18-month grant period. All who attend will receive $20 vouchers for fresh produce and have access to nutrition education and STD testing and education.

Equality, Inclusion, and Recognition of Sunday’s Child:

The work of Feeding the Gulf Coast aligns with Sunday’s Child’s mission of equality and inclusion across our community. It is a pillar of our strategic plan to feed and nourish all people in need across our service area. This means ensuring equitable access in areas where barriers to quality, nutritious food exist. Both Feeding the Gulf Coast and OASIS share the goal of providing services within the communities that need them, limiting the need for individuals to travel far to gain access to our programs. The Mobile Market Program makes this goal possible. We will acknowledge Sunday’s Child’s generous support and partnership through event signage and social media promotions, raising awareness of these events.

Community Impact:

The Mobile Market provides access to fresh produce in areas where it may not generally be accessible. Our partnership with OASIS Florida allows at-risk communities within Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to access both HIV screenings and nutritious produce simultaneously. The CDC states that 52% of new HIV cases occur in the South, a region that also has the highest rates of food insecurity, according to Feeding America. By partnering with OASIS Florida to provide fresh food vouchers and nutrition education to anyone who attends the event, we aim to connect the community with multiple health services.

Pensacola Children’s Chorus

“Uniformly Inclusive”

Organizational Overview:

The Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC) was created with a mission to transform the lives of children through music. PCC’s Resident Choir Program boasts 250+ grades 1-12 singers in its 9 choirs. Weekly rehearsals use music to teach lessons in responsibility, teamwork, empathy, accountability, and confidence. In and beyond its downtown hub, PCC leads community initiatives that bring rigorous music education to historically underserved populations. Through these efforts, PCC seeks to realize its vision of a community that is strengthened by impactful and accessible encounters with the performing arts.

Project Summary:

UNIFORMLY INCLUSIVE seeks to promote inclusivity and accessibility in performance attire. Sunday’s Child funding will be used to acquire a stock of formalwear from which singers can select pieces that best honor their identity, providing exponential benefit to LGBTQ+ singers. This in-house wardrobe will also benefit families of lower socioeconomic status by removing the financial burden of purchasing costly uniforms. The majority of expenses for this project will fund purchasing uniforms for school-aged singers. Additionally, we have added a look to better serve our non-binary High School age singers. The first debut of these uniforms will be at the 2024 Christmas on the Coast performances.

Equality, Inclusion, and Recognition of Sunday’s Child:

Both Sunday’s Child and PCC have a commitment to inclusion. PCC ensures that its policies and practices honor the personhood of everyone and intentionally switched from dissociative language toward gender inclusive terms (e.g. “girls” to "treble"), challenged traditional gender roles in choreography, and incorporated costumes that span a wide range of preferences. This grant will provide the funding to expand this practice into PCC’s formal uniforms, therefore honoring the diverse identities within PCC. Sunday’s Child will be recognized as a sponsor during our 24-25 season which will include a shoutout from the stage by one of our singers. Furthermore, we plan to display the Sunday’s Child Logo on all inventory tags.

Community Impact:

PCC is committed to guaranteeing that every child is afforded the opportunity of a life-changing arts education. Previously, when uniform costs were barriers, we were able to intervene. However, the limited member-donated stock is depleting. Meanwhile, applications for financial-assistance have doubled over a 2-year period. Among current membership, 50% receive assistance (a figure of over $83,000 this season alone). Thus, our ability to supply uniforms at a little to no coast is becoming unsustainable. With inclusive uniform policies, both PCC and Sunday’s Child’s commitment to inclusivity and equality would be deeply realized among PCC’s 250+ youth.

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

“Pride Build”

Organizational Overview:

For over 43 years, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has united people to build homes, communities, and hope. Our Homebuyer Program has enabled thousands of low-income residents to achieve homeownership, while our Community Development initiatives provide essential home modifications and repairs. Our dedicated volunteers are the backbone of our impact in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

Project Summary:

Our groundbreaking Pride Build initiative is more than construction; it’s a movement — a tapestry woven with intention and inclusivity promoting unity with the LGBTQIA+ community. On October 25th, allies and the LGBTQIA+ community will build a home symbolizing this unity. Pride Build, although a one-day event, is part of a year-round effort to foster dialogue and raise awareness about housing inequality in this community. Grant Allocation: Framing the home ($15,000): Symbolizing strength and unity within the LGBTQIA+ community, the framing represents marginalized individuals coming together to stand strong. Comprehensive marketing featuring the Sunday’s Child logo ($4,173.60) and additional materials ($592) such as tumblers, sweatbands, and PopSockets To promote inclusivity, community cohesion, and awareness.

Equality, Inclusion, and Recognition of Sunday’s Child:

Pride Build aligns with Sunday’s Child’s mission of equality and inclusion. All are welcome, regardless of sexual preference or identity, while we forge a future together. Sunday’s Child’s role will be recognized through: Inclusive Logo Marketing ($4,173.60): Banners, tee signs, sponsor boards, digital billboards, radio and Facebook ads, and promotional items like T-shirts and sunglasses. Community Engagement: Inviting LGBTQIA+ members and allies to foster a new inclusive space. Visibility: Ensuring year-round visibility through our robust online presence to highlight our commitment to inclusive housing.

Community Impact:

The grant from Sunday’s Child will be pivotal in making this journey impactful: For Our Organization: It will create a needed safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and support our mission of building homes for marginalized communities. For Individuals: It will empower participants with a sense of belonging and strength, fostering a collective spirit while educating them about our programs. For the Community: It will promote a more inclusive society with ongoing efforts toward housing equality. Pensacola Habitat is eager to collaborate with Sunday’s Child, utilizing this grant to inspire continued efforts toward inclusive housing for all. We are committed to building hope until every heart finds a home, and with Sunday’s Child’s support, we will make a lasting difference.

Ready Kids

“Ready Readers: Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Through Access to Literacy & Mentorship”

Organizational Overview:

At ReadyKids!, we want every child to start kindergarten ready to learn. We focus on early interventions to build a strong academic foundation for our community’s youngest learners. Our comprehensive approach includes mentoring, family engagement, and educator support. Programs and Services: ReadingPals: One-to-one mentoring for high-need Pre-K students at Escambia County schools, fostering early literacy and social-emotional skills. Book Distribution: Providing new books each month to Pre-K students, including discussion prompts to enhance reading and family bonding. Break Bags: Take-home goody bags filled with educational activities for winter and summer breaks, ensuring continuous learning. ReadyRosie: A free digital resource for caregivers offering interactive learning activities to boost at-home learning. Educator Support: Providing classroom supplies and hands-on help per teachers’ expressed needs.

Project Summary:

We are seeking to expand ReadingPals to a new school, supporting up to 54 additional children. ReadingPals provides weekly one-to-one mentoring by trained volunteers, daily supervision from an onsite coordinator, and multilayer support for Pre-K students, families, and educators. We hope to bring the program to Jim Allen Elementary, a local Title I school, where the principal has long-expressed interest in our services. The program year ends May 2025. Expenses: $10,000 – Site Coordinator, $4,500 – Background checks, $2,500 – Program supplies, $1,500 – Take-home books, $1,000 – Volunteer trainings, $500 – Marketing,

Equality, Inclusion, and Recognition of Sunday’s Child:

We believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. In alignment with Sunday’s Child’s mission, we foster a culture of equality and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, and Board members. We address educational disparities and provide equitable access to quality learning resources and interventions, focusing on students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Every child and family member we serve is accepted for who they are and supported equally, ensuring that our programs promote respect, understanding, and inclusion for all. We are excited to celebrate Sunday’s Child by featuring your name/logo in public promotions, on our website and newsletter, in break bags and take-home books, on event signage, and as our exclusive school partner at our new ReadingPals site, with prominent name/logo visibility in our ReadingPals room. We also invite Sunday’s Child to be a Presenting Sponsor at our 2025 Annual Breakfast.

Community Impact:

This grant will enable us to support significantly more Pre-K students, their families, and teachers. ReadingPals sets the foundation for academic and lifelong success, develops the future workforce, impacts long-term economic stability, closes achievement gaps, and creates a generational cycle of positive outcomes.

Capstone Adaptive Learning

“Barkery Blooms”

Organizational Overview:

Capstone provides educational, therapeutic, and residential programs for children and adults with and without developmental disabilities (autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities) and/or medical conditions/behavioral issues in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Programs include: child care, adult day and employment training, exceptional student education pre-k, group homes, therapies (speech, occupational, physical, applied behavioral analysis), nursing oversight, and transportation. Beneficiaries are our areas’ most vulnerable citizens’ ages 3 years and older; many have fallen through the cracks and/or other providers cannot or are not willing to serve.

Project Summary:

In 2018, the Barkery (2600 West Fairfield, Pensacola) began with a Sunday’s Child grant. This project provides job training for people with disabilities in running a business baking/selling all natural, limited ingredient pet treats. Student bakers make $15 an hour. Treats are sold at area businesses, markets, and Capstone Pet Place in Milton. Our project will proceed to the next level by re-locating to another Capstone-owned facility (1000 West Leonard Street) versus sharing space with other Capstone programs currently. Funds will be used to purchase (and install) restaurant-grade equipment (oven, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and sink) at the new stand-alone location. The move allowing for more weekly hours to make more treats has a two-fold outcome: More students working at the Barkery gaining hard/soft job skills; More treats to fill more orders for existing/new retail stores.

Equality, Inclusion, and Recognition of Sunday’s Child:

We serve some of society’s most maligned citizens. We know first-hand the ugliness of discrimination and exclusion by just being who you are. Capstone’s core value promotes inclusion for students, staff, and volunteers; always has been, always will be. Capstone programs promote equality by enhancing school and job readiness for students traditionally believed to be “un-teachable” or “un-employable”. With Capstone’s training and supports, students discover their own abilities leading to more inclusive, independent, happy lives. Sunday’s Child logo is already on Barkery treats packaging and outdoor events tent (remember our 2018 grant). Additional, recognition will include social media, Capstone website, signage on delivery vehicle, 2 signs on the new facility.

Community Impact:

Organization: inclusion and acceptance for program participants; invest revenue back into the program. Students: increase independence; become productive tax-payers; community inclusion; improved quality of life. Families: less stress and isolation; working parents remain employed. Community: public learns awareness and acceptance of others who are “different”; job ready applicants for community jobs.

First City Art Center

“Hear me, See me Sunday’s Child Inclusion Stage”

Organizational Overview:

Founded in 1999, First City Art Center has a respected reputation for providing quality, affordable, art instruction in an inclusive, non-judgmental environment. Located on Guillemard Street in the Long Hollow neighborhood, First City offers classes in glass blowing, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, clay hand building, sewing and more. Additionally, we have extensive programming for children, including our award-winning summer camp – Creatisphere. Our programming is open to everyone with a desire to try. Art benefits everyone – from the practitioner to the observer. It is fundamental to our existence. Our programming, combined with our signature events of Hot Glass Cold Brew, Pumpkin Patch, and art markets, include thousands of our neighbors on an annual basis.

Project Summary:

“Sunday’s Child Inclusion Stage” imagines the construction of a permanent, covered performance stage adjacent to our parking lot as a centerpiece of our campus. The stage will be approximately 480 square feet. This structure will be handicapped accessible and will include electrical service for band performances. We anticipate the construction to take 2 months.

Equality, Inclusion, and Recognition of Sunday’s Child:

First City Art Center works every day to provide an environment that is inclusive and judgement free. “Art is in the eye of the beholder” and EVERYONE at FCAC recognizes that each of us has something to add to the tapestry of the art produced. Everyone is an artist. We provide a collaborative, encouraging environment to express what art means to you. Our goal is to expand these efforts to performance art. The Sunday’s Child Inclusion Stage will be an extraordinary venue for inclusive expression and available to everyone according to our posted non-discrimination policy. It will be our privilege to recognize Sunday’s Child as the creator of our stage through signage on the stage backdrop, our marquee at the entrance to our campus and on our site map as we welcome visitors. Additionally, use of the stage will require that Sunday’s Child Inclusion Stage @ First City Art Center be part of all promotional materials.

Community Impact:

The Sunday’s Child Inclusion Stage will have tremendous impact on the FCAC campus, enhancing our various events, festivals, and programming. There will be consequential impact on the greater community by providing a much-needed performance venue. Impact will be measured by use which we anticipate being often. There is no other venue of this type in our area.

Golden Elite

“Moving Forward Together: Van Expansion Project”

Organizational Overview:

Founded by Army Veteran Michael Etheredge, also known as Coach Mike, Golden Elite is run 100% by volunteers and parent participation dedicated to educating the community on the importance of leading a physically active, drug-free lifestyle grounded in integrity and self-respect through the sport of track and field. Over the past 20 years, Coach Mike and our team of volunteer coaches have positively impacted over 2,500 youths, many of whom have earned full-ride scholarships to major universities. Golden Elite is more than just a track club; we are a family. We serve youth ages 6-18 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, as well as some master-level athletes. Our comprehensive program includes tutoring, nutritional guidance, mental health support, and abstinence education. Our goal is to promote the development of the whole child, not just their athletic abilities.

Project Summary:

Since receiving the 2019 Sundays Child grant for a 15-passenger van, Golden Elite has experienced substantial growth, now serving over 150 youth per year, up from 50-60 participants previously. This expansion necessitates an additional 7-passenger van to accommodate the influx of underserved youth, many from single-parent or grandparent households. The grant will enable us to continue providing access to our track and field program for these vulnerable demographics, fostering a supportive environment where they can thrive both athletically and personally.

Equality, Inclusion, and Recognition of Sunday’s Child:

Golden Elite promotes diversity and equality by providing an inclusive environment where all youth feel accepted regardless of physical attributes or societal norms. Our program fosters confidence and security, enabling open dialogue with coaches about sensitive topics like depression and gender identity. We inspire inclusion by celebrating individual differences and offering a safe, judgment-free space for all participants to thrive. By prioritizing acceptance and understanding, we empower our athletes to embrace their unique identities and contribute positively to our community. Over the years, we have had athletes identify as transgender and as members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Community Impact:

Golden Elite prides itself on fostering inclusivity, providing a safe haven where all youth are embraced regardless of traditional sports stereotypes. Our program instills confidence and a sense of security, offering a space where athletes feel comfortable discussing issues like depression and gender identity without fear of judgment. This commitment to diversity and equality not only empowers our staff, volunteers, and clients but also creates a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. By inspiring a culture of acceptance and inclusion that extends far beyond the track, we ensure that our impact resonates throughout the community.

Hope Above Fear

“EMPOWER”

Organizational Overview:

Hope Above Fear addresses substance misuse by promoting awareness, providing assistance, and extending support in Escambia County. We engage diverse audiences and foster crucial conversations at community outreach events; disseminate prevention education materials on social media; distribute Narcan; and collaborate with local organizations. Prevention education involves more than simply refusing drugs and alcohol; we aim to equip teens with the tools, knowledge, and resources to make informed decisions and cultivate a positive lifestyle. Our teen volunteer program and monthly Choose Your Story gatherings emphasize positivity, optimism, and resilience.

Project Summary:

Through Empower, we will create and disseminate a professionally produced video detailing the escalating impact of the drug epidemic among Pensacola Bay area teenagers. The video will feature stories from local students and families directly impacted by teen substance and fentanyl use. We will also distribute resource pamphlets and motivational swag. Video production will start in mid-July. Leveraging partnerships with ECSD and other community partners, presentations will begin in the 2024/2025 school year, targeting all EC middle and high school students and their families by December 2025. Presentations will impart crucial information on substance abuse and particularly fentanyl, encourage open dialogue, and promote healthy coping mechanisms among area teens.

Equality, Inclusion, and Recognition of Sunday’s Child:

Substance misuse and fentanyl awareness is crucial for all teens, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other criteria. Aligned with Sunday's Child's mission, we promote equality and inclusion, tackling the drug epidemic's impact on all teenagers. Our "Support Without Shame" motto fosters acceptance and creates a trusting and empowering environment. Through outreach and events, we amplify diverse voices. Our aim is to present to all middle and high school students, ensuring no group is targeted over another. Sunday's Child will be acknowledged as the proud funder on all printed material, video productions, social media, and our website.

Community Impact:

Hope Above Fear envisions a community where every teen is empowered to embrace a substance-free life, filled with purpose and promise. Empower will positively impact our organization, stakeholders, and the Pensacola Bay Area community by addressing the drug epidemic. Escambia County has the highest per capita drug-related death rate in Florida. Education is vital to equip teens with strategies to navigate risky situations and make safer choices. Our project fills a decade-long gap in drug awareness programs in EC schools. Your award will enable us to reach every Escambia County teen, their families, and the community at large.