ReadyKids! nonprofit celebrates $30,086 ReadingPals grant from The Sunstone Project

Local nonprofit ReadyKids! recently celebrated receiving a $30,086 grant from The Sunstone Project.

This one-time grant supports ReadyKids! programming related to ReadingPals and family engagement — including but not limited to expansion to two additional ReadingPals sites and creation of a fourth Born Learning Trail — all with a focus on increasing kindergarten readiness in Escambia County.

ReadingPals is a pre-K mentoring program that activates and equips community volunteers to get hands-on in helping the youngest learners with academic and social-emotional success. The ReadingPals program is designed to impact students with the highest need as early as possible with the goal of increasing kindergarten readiness. Last year, only 42% of Escambia County students came to kindergarten “ready” to learn as assessed by the Florida Department of Education.

ReadingPals is currently in 10 Escambia County Public School prekindergarten classrooms and three early childhood classrooms through Community Action Head Start.

Call 850-380-3652 or email Kristy@ReadyKidsFL.org for details.

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Chain Reaction offers volunteer opportunities for teens

Parents who are looking to get their teen off the couch, away from Netflix and earning service hours this summer can consider having them volunteer at Pensacola State Kids College with Chain Reaction.

Pensacola State Kids College is a unique summer opportunity for high school students to stay busy, make an impact on the community and focus on leadership development. Teens can spend the week working with children by serving as junior counselors and mentors. Teens also participate in Chain Reaction curriculum and build professional and leadership skills while earning service hours.

This opportunity is available for all rising ninth through 12th graders in the Pensacola area Monday through Friday, June 5 through July 28 at Kids College.

Email info@mychainreaction.org for details.

Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce donates to FavorHouse

The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced its donation to FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services and support to survivors of domestic violence and their families.

As a part of the chamber, the Women Mean Business Committee hosted two events for International Women's Month, the International Women's Leadership Luncheon and the High Heel Classic Golf Tournament. In the inaugural year of these events, the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce was able to raise $500 for FavorHouse, the committee's charity of choice.

A part of the mission of the Women Mean Business Committee is to support women and children’s organizations in their community and to provide support however necessary. The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of supporting organizations such as FavorHouse, which provide vital services to those in need.

Visit favorhouse.org for details.

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Sponsorships and donations pour in for LeaP for Change project

Since the beginning of their project in October 2022, the Leadership Pensacola Class of 2023 has received a total of 26 sponsorships at levels $500 and above and 11 in-kind donations at various levels towards their project, LeaP for Change. In addition, they have had 124 donations at $499 and below, which are primarily from individuals.

The LeaP for Change project is an initiative that will benefit both the Children’s Home Society, Care Closet at C.A. Weis Elementary School and Feeding the Gulf Coast. This initiative will provide and build Feeding the Gulf Coast food pantries in Ebonwood, Wedgewood and Brownsville community centers and a Children’s Home Society hygiene closet at C.A. Weis Elementary School.

Leadership Pensacola 2023 is actively seeking both monetary and in-kind donations to help reach its goal. In addition to those donations, the class is seeking donations such as non-perishable food and personal hygiene items as well as educational books for elementary school aged children and their families. By implementing these pantries and closet, it will help underserved communities have direct access to these resources.

Visit leapforchangepensacola.org or email leapclass23@pensacolachamber.com for details.

Take part: To make a Causes submission, email giving@pnj.com.

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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: ReadyKids! celebrates $30,086 grant from The Sunstone Project