Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation have introduced a philanthropic initiative to fortify key health and safety organizations in the region amid the growing COVID-19 crisis. The foundations’ COVID-19 Response Initiative aims to support lead health, human-service, and safety organizations facing increased demand for services right now and in the coming months. Working together, the foundations will strategically deploy funding to give strained organizations immediate relief while also helping to build their long-term capacity to continue providing vital safety-net support.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has received a $12,700 grant from the COVID-19 Response Initiative, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation for laptops to convert to virtual services. “We are so grateful for the quick and outstanding support of meeting the social and emotional needs of our children during this crisis. The technology you are providing enables our Staff to connect our children, families, and volunteers. Over the past four weeks, we have witnessed our Agency adapt to a new landscape, where in-person contact is prohibited,” said Joy Mahler, president, and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. The nature of our business has relied on personal relationships through all stages of recruiting, screening, enrolling and supporting the families, youth, and mentors that expect us to facilitate strong, healthy relationships. In a time when vulnerable youth are already facing extreme personal and family challenges due to lost jobs, missed meals, and feelings of sadness and isolation, our mentors need to be able to stay connected to their Littles and continue to guide and support them. Words do not adequately express our heartfelt appreciation.”