SPHA celebrates Family Self-Sufficiency program<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
The event highlighted the progress SPHA families are making toward economic independence.<\/p>\n
Keynote speaker for the event was Mayor Ken Welch, who praised participants’ dedication.<\/p>\n
The program also featured SPIN El Poeta, an award-winning Guatemalan spoken word artist and Canadian national slam poetry champion.<\/p>\n
Community partners included:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay<\/p>\n
\u2022 Exceeding Grace Christian Center<\/p>\n
\u2022 Lewis Williams Education Foundation<\/p>\n
\u2022 My Daughter’s Keeper of Tampa Bay, Inc.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rock Solid Construction & Development Inc.<\/p>\n
\u2022 S.T.O.R.Y. 727<\/p>\n
\u2022 St. Petersburg College (SPC)<\/p>\n
\u2022 The City of St. Petersburg<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Brotherhood of Men Mentor Group, Inc.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The St. Petersburg Police Department<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Shihan School of Survival<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Foundation awards $1.4 Million in grants<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 The Speer Dream Foundation awarded grants totaling nearly $1.4 million during December to 23 nonprofit organizations, including 11 first-time awardees.<\/p>\n
The largest single award was a $1 million commitment over the next four years to Breakthrough T1D, the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Beyond this landmark gift, the Foundation\u2019s 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\u2019s ongoing commitment to expanding its reach and investing in innovative organizations delivering meaningful impact, the foundation said.<\/p>\n
Open house to re-open family tribute center<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 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.<\/p>\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.<\/p>\n