TAMPA, FL – April 16, 2020

Girls, Inc. of Pinellas will receive $20,000 in emergency funding from United Way Suncoast to provide much needed childcare and meals for children as part of the initial distribution of over $1,000,000 in funding from the United Way Suncoast COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

“United Way Suncoast, our donors, and volunteers are working hard to serve our community at a time of greatest need. Our region’s business community and many generous individuals have contributed to our COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to ensure that we have the immediate resources to support the most vulnerable in our community,” says United Way CEO Jessica Muroff.

“We sincerely appreciate the COVID-19 Rapid Response support from United Way Suncoast. This will help Girls, Inc. of Pinellas continue to serve the girls and families that need us most as we navigate this new normal together,” stated Girls, Inc. of Pinellas Executive Director, Darla Otey. “We knew that many of our families that typically had two working parents were now down to one or no incomes at all. With this in mind, we moved forward and waived all fees knowing that our partners could be counted on to provide the support we would need to continue our services of providing school work completion support and all day programming to school aged girls in Pinellas county. United Way Suncoast proved us right – we are Tampa Bay strong!”

Girls, Inc. of Pinellas will use the funds to offer the many working parents and guardians that need a safe place for their children during school and early evening hours. They will be able to support students in completing their class assignments that they are still being required to complete for school, while creating a safe and productive environment.

“It is our job to raise funds, awareness of need, and mobilize volunteers for the critical services needed during this crisis. United Way Suncoast is proud to partner with Girls, Inc. of Pinellas. This funding is immediately being put to work to support working parents and guardians that need a safe place for their children in our community” says Jessica Muroff, CEO United Way Suncoast.

About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast fights for the education and financial stability of every person in the community through educational programs that give children the skills to succeed, helping adults achieve long-term financial stability and activating caring individuals through volunteerism. We are proud to serve the people of DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties by operating and funding services and programs to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.

Download United Way Press Release
Download United Way Press Release