Impact Update
Back-to-School Support: Community Partners Step Up for Parenting Matters Families
Back-to-school season can be both exciting and stressful for families. Between supplies, uniforms, and other essentials, the costs quickly add up—especially for families already facing financial strain. This year, thanks to the generosity of two longstanding service organizations, Parenting Matters families are heading into the school year better prepared and with fewer worries.
The Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis Club, part of the global Kiwanis International organization, donated more than 50 backpacks filled with supplies to Parenting Matters families. This effort was coordinated by Valerie Longo, CEO of PCI Communications, who helped organize Kiwanis’ contribution. Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is dedicated to improving the world “one child and one community at a time,” with local chapters like Manatee Sunrise playing an active role in serving children and families across the globe and here at home.
Bringing even more joy to the children we serve, the Service Club of Manatee County provided a grant to Parenting Matters to cover emergency basic needs. From this support, nearly $700 was used to purchase school uniforms for over a dozen children in need. The gift of uniforms may seem simple, but it can make a world of difference. As Parenting Educator Ashley Tabachnick explains, “My families are relieved to know they have one less thing they need to worry about getting their kids for the school year.”
The Service Club has a long and inspiring history. It began in 1927, when a group of local women noticed children arriving at Ballard Primary School without lunches. They quietly delivered sandwiches and cookies to help those children in need. Over the decades, their work expanded—from funding lunches, clothing, and medical care to supporting organizations like the Haven and hosting major fundraising events such as the beloved Antique Show and today’s “For the Love of Children Gala.” Now led by President Valerie Bell, the Service Club continues to provide meaningful support for local children.
The need for school uniforms remains particularly pressing in our community. For many families, purchasing multiple uniforms for growing children can be a heavy burden. Community support helps ease that load. Program Director Kelly Benford noted, “As a former teacher, I appreciate all that our community partners are doing to make this back-to-school a success.”
At Parenting Matters, our mission is simple yet powerful: to advance the lives of children, together, with their parents. With the help of dedicated partners like the Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis Club and the Service Club of Manatee County, we are making sure families feel supported, children feel confident, and the school year begins on the right foot.
You can help continue this impact by supporting our Special Projects Campaign. Every gift brings us closer to paying off our building, upgrading our technology, and freeing more resources to directly serve families. Thanks to generous matching pledges, your donation goes even further—but only until December 31, 2025. Together, we can strengthen families today and for generations to come.
