SPHA celebrates Family Self-Sufficiency program

ST. PETERSBURG — The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) hosted a special event on Dec. 19 to celebrate the accomplishments of participants in its Family Self-Sufficiency Program and to recognize the community partners who supported their success.

The event highlighted the progress SPHA families are making toward economic independence.

Keynote speaker for the event was Mayor Ken Welch, who praised participants’ dedication.

The program also featured SPIN El Poeta, an award-winning Guatemalan spoken word artist and Canadian national slam poetry champion.

Community partners included:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay

• Exceeding Grace Christian Center

• Lewis Williams Education Foundation

• My Daughter’s Keeper of Tampa Bay, Inc.

• Rock Solid Construction & Development Inc.

• S.T.O.R.Y. 727

• St. Petersburg College (SPC)

• The City of St. Petersburg

• The Brotherhood of Men Mentor Group, Inc.

• The St. Petersburg Police Department

• The Shihan School of Survival

• The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA)

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary initiative offered to families in HUD-assisted housing. Participants receive coaching, referrals to services, and establish a family escrow savings account. FSS Program Coordinators provide coaching and develop local strategies to connect participating families with public and private resources. These resources aim to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and facilitate progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.

Foundation awards $1.4 Million in grants

ST. PETERSBURG — The Speer Dream Foundation awarded grants totaling nearly $1.4 million during December to 23 nonprofit organizations, including 11 first-time awardees.

The largest single award was a $1 million commitment over the next four years to Breakthrough T1D, the world’s leading organization funding research to cure Type 1 Diabetes. The investment establishes the Hayes & Lacy Hukari Research Grant, a new fund dedicated to accelerating cutting-edge research aimed at preventing, treating, and ultimately curing T1D.

Beyond this landmark gift, the Foundation’s December grants support a diverse portfolio of nonprofits working across health, education, social services, and community well-being. The inclusion of 11 first-time grantees reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to expanding its reach and investing in innovative organizations delivering meaningful impact, the foundation said.

Open house to re-open family tribute center

ST. PETERSBURG — The Anderson McQueen Tyrone Family Tribute Center will mark its grand reopening Friday, Jan. 23, from 3-6 p.m. at 7820 38th Ave. N.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include live music and local vendors in a relaxed open-house style and guided tours, including the special witness cremation area.

RSVP by Jan. 9 to diana.brooks@foundationpartners.com.