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REALTORS® for Kids
Partner with United Way
by Katie Knight
Together, we shape their learning!
From the moment a child enters the world, his emotional, social and cognitive developments starts. The first years are the foundation for a child’s future success because that’s when the brain is being built. In fact a young child’s brain is two times as active as an adult’s.
A child’s first teacher is family – parents, grandparents and others who may care for the child during the day. But it’s just as important for a community to provide the environment that supports early learning. Every person who touches the life of a child – directly or indirectly – can enhance that child’s early learning.
For many families in Sarasota, childcare outside of the home is a reality of life. Quality early learning helps a child succeed in school, work and life. But quality care is expensive, averaging $175 for infant care and $150 for three and four year olds per week.
As the effects of the downturn in the economy continue, more and more of our neighbors, friends and co-workers are experiencing unexpected crises. Hard-working families value high-quality early learning but may need to remove their child from pre-school when facing loss of job income, increasing debt or medical emergencies.
The United Way developed a Scholarship to help families. Rather than adding further stress and disrupt the child’s learning, this scholarship provides a short-term solution for families by covering one to four weeks of childcare fees.
When it comes to early childhood development and education, United Way has a strong track record. We focus on:
Increasing access to high-quality childcare for at-risk families
- Improving the quality of childcare in both centers and homes
- Leveraging parents as the best and most important determinants of their child’s success
The Scholarship program has existed for five years. The goals are that the child will continue in care and education, the family will be better able to work through their hardship and the quality centers will keep children and families in positive learning environments. Over 1,025 children and almost 825 families have been helped over the years, with excellent outcomes:
86% of the children remain in care 30 days after the scholarship period
86% of the families resume payment within 30 days after the scholarship period
As professionals in real estate, you meet families looking to make Sarasota their home. You have experienced the tight market first hand and know working families are being dramatically impacted.
By contributing to the REALTORS® for Kids Scholarship, you are investing in our families and children. Contributions can be made to the United Way of Sarasota County with “REALTORS® for Kids” on the memo line and mailed to United Way at 1445 2nd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239. Or call Katie Knight at 366-2686 to answer any questions.
When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. Thank you!
Katie is the Senior Vice President of the United Way of Sarasota County, Inc. and works with volunteer leadership on strategic initiatives, community investments and annual resource development. Katie is originally from the Mid-West and began her career with United Way as a national intern in St. Paul, Minnesota and Madison, Wisconsin. She has two wonderful daughters at Brookside Middle School and lives in the South Gate area of Sarasota. Katie may be reached at 941-366-2686 or via email at katiek@uwsrq.com.
Publisher’s Note:
REAL Magazine is proud to endorse and support REALTORS® for Kids. Our goal in embracing this program is to ensure that funding is available for any child needing this crucial service. Together we can make that vision a reality. Beyond much needed donations we are actively soliciting committee volunteers. Should you wish to make a difference in a child’s life please call today. Ed Bertha, 941-921-2117
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