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Step Up Suncoast Selected to Assume Operations of Family Self-Sufficiency and Crisis Services Programs

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Mother with Two Children

SARASOTA, FL – Step Up Suncoast is pleased to announce that effective January 1, it will assume operations of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and Crisis Services programs previously managed by You Thrive Florida.

You Thrive Florida has been operating Community Services Block Grant programs since 1981, with a focus on alleviating poverty through a multifaceted approach. With a renewed mission and focus, You Thrive Florida has voluntarily chosen to transition these services to Step Up Suncoast.

Step Up Suncoast is honored to be selected as the temporary program operator during this transition. The organization is committed to providing convenient, professional, and compassionate service to all current participants and future applicants.

Step Up Suncoast is working closely with the You Thrive Florida and FloridaCommerce to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Changes to program eligibility and application processes are expected to be minimal. Any necessary updates will be communicated clearly and well in advance.
  • Please note that You Thrive Florida will continue to provide all their other existing services as normal. This transition applies only to the Family Self-Sufficiency and Crisis Services programs.

Starting January 1, current participants and interested applicants are encouraged to direct all inquiries regarding these two programs to Step Up Suncoast.

  • Family Self-Sufficiency
    • Phone: 863-448-9203
    • Email: csbg@stepupsuncoast.org
    • In-Person Assistance: To ensure accessibility, Step Up Suncoast will offer onsite assistance at the YouThrive Florida office during designated hours.
  • Crisis and Emergency Services
    • Phone: 941-827-2887
    • Email: csbg@stepupsuncoast.org
    • New Applicants: May apply for services at www.StepUpSuncoast.org after January 15.

“Our priority is to ensure that no family experiences a gap in service during this change,” said Amy Yount, President and Chief Executive Officer of Step Up Suncoast. “We look forward to welcoming these program participants and supporting them on their journey toward financial stability and self-sufficiency.”

About Step Up Suncoast: Step Up Suncoast, Inc. is dedicated to empowering individuals and families by providing education and support on their journey to self-sufficiency. Step Up Suncoast, Inc. strengthens families through early childhood education, speech screening programs, and parenting education and support. Step Up Suncoast, Inc. also offers housing counseling, utility and housing assistance, free tax assistance, and home weatherization, helping families overcome financial hardships and build independence. All programs and services are free to qualifying individuals. For more information, please visit www.StepUpSuncoast.org or call 941-827-2887.

Media Contact: Marisa Knight, Executive Assistant and Communications Manager
mknight@stepupsuncoast.org, 941-216-5273

Step Up Suncoast Seeks Volunteers for Free Tax Assistance Program

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Sarasota, FL — October 9, 2025 – Step Up Suncoast is calling on community members to make a difference this upcoming tax season by volunteering with its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. We are now recruiting volunteers to help provide free, high-quality tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income individuals and families across Manatee County.
No prior tax experience is required. All volunteers receive comprehensive training and certification to ensure they feel confident and supported in their role. Opportunities are available for a variety of tasks, including acting as greeters, tax preparers, reviewers, and site coordinators.

“VITA is a wonderful way for people to give back in a meaningful way,” said Amy Yount, President and Chief Executive Officer of Step Up Suncoast, Inc. “Every volunteer helps strengthen our community and puts more money back into the hands of working families.”

Last year alone, Step Up Suncoast’s VITA volunteers prepared and filed 1,382 returns and to help return over one million dollars in tax refunds to families in Manatee County. These funds go directly back into the local economy.

The program welcomes both individual volunteers looking to connect with others and organizations that want to serve together. Businesses and community partners may also volunteer their office or facility to act as a tax filing site during the season. Sites receive considerable foot traffic during tax preparation hours. Each site is typically open for a four-hour period, one to two days during the week.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older and able to commit to at least one four-hour shift per week during tax season, which runs February through mid-April.

Interested individuals or organizations can learn more or sign up by joining us for our next VITA Social Hour, on November 13, 2025 at 9:30am, by visiting our website at https://stepupsuncoast.org/programs/vita-tax-prep/, or emailing taxes@stepupsuncoast.org

About Step Up Suncoast, Inc.: Step Up Suncoast, Inc. is a nonprofit incorporated in 1968 and designated Community Action Agency servicing Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Hardee and Desoto Counties. Programming is focused on empowering individuals and families by providing education and support on their path to self-sufficiency. Step Up Suncoast, Inc. strengthens the family unit through early childhood education, speech screening programs, and parenting education and support. Step Up Suncoast, Inc. offers housing counseling, utility and housing assistance, free tax assistance, and home weatherization so clients can overcome financial hardships and build independence. All programs and services are free to qualifying individuals. For more information, please visit www.StepUpSuncoast.org or call 941-827-2887.

Step Up Suncoast’s Rise and Shine Early Learning Centers Earn Top VPK Scores in Manatee County

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Two centers rank in the top ten among 109 centers, with one earning the highest score overall

Sarasota, FL — Step Up Suncoast is proud to announce that its Rise and Shine Early Learning Centers have earned top scores among Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs in Manatee County. Out of 109 centers countywide, two Rise and Shine centers ranked among the top ten, including one that achieved the highest score of all classrooms across the county.

Florida’s VPK program plays a critical role in preparing children for success in school. Research shows that high-quality early learning experiences lead to stronger academic outcomes and improved social skills throughout a child’s academic career.

Dr. Laura Redeker, who served Manatee County Schools for more than 30 years and now lends her expertise to Step Up Suncoast’s Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of this achievement:

“Quality Pre-K programs provide children with strong foundations in language, literacy, and early math, while also building critical social-emotional skills. When children experience rich learning in their earliest years, they are more confident, joyful learners — better prepared not only for kindergarten, but for lifelong success.”

Step Up Suncoast’s Rise and Shine Early Learning Centers follow an evidence-based Head Start/Early Head Start model, providing not only a strong academic curriculum but also wraparound services for children and their families. Our “Whole Family Approach” includes health screenings, nutritional support, and family engagement services, setting the centers apart from typical VPK classrooms. Each family with a child enrolled in our program is paired up with a Family Advocate. These advocates help families identify needs, set goals, and access resources. They also act as a liaison between home and the classroom to improve children’s overall development.

Step Up Suncoast, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer, Amy Yount, credited the organization’s instructional staff for each center’s high scores:

“At Step Up Suncoast, we invest in our teachers with higher-than-average wages and tuition reimbursement through a master’s degree in early childhood education. By supporting our educators, we ensure excellence in the classroom, providing every child with the strongest possible start. Our Rise and Shine Early Learning Centers are places where children, families, and employees can truly thrive.”

Step Up Suncoast is currently enrolling new students in its Rise and Shine Early Learning Centers. Families interested in enrolling their child in VPK are encouraged to call (941) 750-6667 or visit https://www.stepupsuncoast.org/programs/head-start/ to learn more.

About Step Up Suncoast
Step Up Suncoast, Inc. is a nonprofit incorporated in 1968 and designated Community Action Agency servicing Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Hardee and Desoto Counties. Programming is focused on empowering individuals and families by providing education and support on their path to self-sufficiency. Step Up Suncoast, Inc. strengthens families through early childhood education, speech screening programs, and parenting education and support. Step Up Suncoast, Inc. also offers housing counseling, utility and housing assistance, free tax assistance, and home weatherization, helping families overcome financial hardships and build independence. All programs and services are free to qualifying individuals. For more information, please visit www.StepUpSuncoast.org or call 941-827-2887.

Media Contact:
Marisa Knight
Executive Assistant and Communications Manager
Step Up Suncoast, Inc.
941-300-2251
mknight@stepupsuncoast.org
StepUpSuncoast.org