Safe Children Coalition Receives Grants in the Wake of Hurricane Ian

February 24, 2023 – Sarasota

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, there were numerous impacts to community members, businesses, and nonprofit organizations; few in the path of the storm emerged unscathed. However, thanks to two generous area foundations, Safe Children Coalition (SCC), children, foster families, and families participating in prevention and diversion programs received timely assistance to help them through tough times.

SCC’s DeSoto County office is a 6,513 square-foot building with a flat roof. Approximately 160 lineal feet of drip edge and membrane were damaged by the hurricane on the north side of the building, and a portion of the roof needed to be properly refastened; contractors also recommended the replacement of the entire drip edge along the roof’s bottom eave. The estimates gathered for all recommended repairs were just below SCC’s hurricane deductible, meaning the nonprofit organization would have to pay out of pocket, diverting precious funds from mission-critical programs and services.

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation came to SCC’s rescue with a grant of $16,250, which enabled the child welfare organization to get its roof fixed up to code promptly.

Additionally, many intact, reunited, and foster families receiving services from SCC suffered home and property damage as well as the loss of perishables due to power outages. To help individuals and families in need, Gulf Coast Community Foundation awarded a grant of $30,000 from its Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative to purchase up to 600 Visa gift cards in the amount of $50 each. These have been distributed to foster families and other families in need.

“While Hurricane Ian may have been some time ago, there are still too many of our families who are in various stages of recovery from the storm,” said SCC president and CEO Brena Slater. “We are so grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Selby Foundation for their significant contributions to helping our community to rebuild and recover from this catastrophic event.”

For more information, visit sccfl.org.