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Community Foundation Tampa Bay Awards $15,000 to St. Petersburg Foundation for Needs Navigator Program Expansion
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. December 17, 2024 — Community Foundation Tampa Bay has awarded $15,000 from its Critical Needs List to the St. Petersburg Foundation. The funding will support the expansion of the Needs Navigator program, which has played a vital role in assisting residents during and after recent storms.
The Needs Navigator program, spearheaded by the St. Petersburg Foundation, connects individuals and families to critical resources, including housing assistance, food security, and mental health support. With the area recovering from the impacts of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the program’s expansion is crucial to addressing increased community demands.
“This funding allows us to meet the growing needs of our community in the wake of recent storms,” a representative of the St. Petersburg Foundation said. “The Needs Navigator program ensures that residents facing hardship can access essential resources quickly and efficiently.”
Brandi Sanchez, senior director of community investment at Community Foundation Tampa Bay, emphasized the program’s importance.
“The Needs Navigator program at Lealman Exchange is vital to the community, helping individuals access essential resources quickly,” Sanchez said. “After the hurricanes, it’s more important than ever in aiding recovery and rebuilding lives.”
The Critical Needs List, maintained by Community Foundation Tampa Bay, identifies high-priority funding opportunities for nonprofits addressing urgent challenges. By providing timely support, the initiative bridges gaps in community services and fosters collaboration among local organizations.
Since its inception, the Needs Navigator program has helped hundreds of residents overcome barriers to recovery, including accessing FEMA assistance and connecting with local relief efforts. The program’s personalized approach ensures that individuals receive tailored guidance to meet their specific challenges.
For more information about the Needs Navigator program or to support its efforts, visit www.lealmanexchange.org
About the St. Petersburg Foundation
The St. Petersburg Foundation is a social impact consultancy that builds capacity at both the organizational and community levels. By leveraging public, private, and philanthropic partnerships, the foundation drives results-oriented solutions for social good. The organization helps individuals and groups develop the systems, strategies, and tools needed to advance missions and maximize effectiveness.
About Lealman Exchange
The Lealman Exchange serves as a community hub in the Lealman area, offering programs and resources that empower residents to overcome challenges and achieve stability. By providing access to education, health services, job training, and essential resources, the Lealman Exchange plays a vital role in strengthening the community.
