“The earlier the investment, the greater the return.”
Once upon a time, our founders, Chuck and Margie Barancik, asked staff to research ways to address summer learning loss for students and boost student success. In talking with our community partners, we were taught a valuable piece of wisdom that now informs much of our approach in philanthropy: the earlier the investment, the greater the return.
What transpired from there, which you will read about in this report, was the birth of an equitable effort that helps families and babies regardless of race, education, or socio-economic status.
First 1,000 Days Suncoast has grown and matured in ways we could never have imagined. Similar to raising a child, it truly takes a village to develop and maintain a multi-sector collaborative.
We are grateful to our village. Gratitude is owed to the community partner agencies who give generously of their knowledge, experience, and time. We are also thankful to the donors and foundations who invest with us in this work. And, to our co-parent, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, thank you for your leadership and the resources you have lovingly given First 1,000 Days Suncoast.
