Dr. Phillips Charities recently awarded three local non-profit organizations with over $1.3 million in grants to fund programs that support children and families across Central Florida.
“We are thrilled to be able to support these three organizations and the good work they are doing in Orange and Osceola counties,” said Ken Robinson, President & CEO, Dr. Phillips Charities. “Each one is enhancing the lives of children throughout our community, helping us build a stronger future for us all.”
Details of the grants include:
Central Florida YMCA – an additional $805,000 grant for capital expenses for exercise equipment and pool shade as part of the construction of the new Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA. This new YMCA will bridge the western neighborhoods of Downtown Orlando with the Packing District and College Park neighborhoods.
“Dr. Phillips Charities has been a long-term supporter of the YMCA of Central Florida and continues to work with the YMCA to increase the opportunities for safe places that invite children and families to live healthy, connected, and successful lives,” said Robinson. “The YMCA provides these opportunities through its programs and continues to serve as the cornerstone of neighborhoods throughout Central Florida.”
Foundation for Foster Children – a $250,000 grant toward the expansion of the Empower program, which works with foster children to provide life skills and opportunities in education and employment to help them build a life of independence while avoiding the negative outcomes of homelessness, incarceration, high school dropout, and unemployment. Supportive resources and services are wrapped around each foster youth through a needs assessment and tracks more than 55 data points to ensure youth are moving toward true independence.
“The Foundation for Foster Children is thankful for the support from Dr. Phillips Charites to make this life changing work possible, said Robert Newkirk, President, Foundation for Foster Children. “Dr. Phillips Charities’ continued dedication to serve children in Central Florida is creating positive change in the lives of at-risk youth that not only helps with the needs of today, but builds a brighter future for generations to come.”
The School District of Osceola County – a $250,000 grant to support the District’s K-12 Music Enhancement Initiative providing equitable access to high quality music education, particularly for children from low-income families who face economic barriers to participation. Dr. Phillips Charities’ support provides instruments to disadvantaged students through the purchase of 386 instruments for use throughout elementary schools. The remaining instruments will be used by students in grades 6-12 who are unable to afford an instrument to participate in band/ensembles.
“Thank you to Dr. Phillips Charities for this extremely generous donation that will inspire and ignite the creativity and talent of our students,” said Osceola School District Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace. “We will continue to champion music and arts education for all children as it creates well-rounded, well-prepared learners and leaders.”
