Safe Children Coalition Raises $270K for Teen Shelter

Safe Children Coalition raised nearly $270,000 at its fourth annual Giving Breakfast on March 26, with more than 300 attendees supporting child welfare programs across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.

The organization exceeded its Youth Shelter Campaign goal, raising $9.9 million to build a facility for homeless and vulnerable teens. Construction nears completion, with the shelter opening by fall 2026.

"Because of you, teens in our community will find safety and hope, and an opportunity to reimagine their futures," Board Chair Tony Gamelin said.

The event honored three Champions for Children: Phillip P. Lanham, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Drayton Saunders, vice president of The MSC Foundation; and Colleen Thayer, CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Three clients shared how SCC programs changed their lives. Aiyana, a former foster child, earned bachelor's and master's degrees through the Post-secondary Educational Services and Support program and plans to attend law school. Alana, removed from an abusive home and homeless at 18 with two children, completed the Children and Parents Together Always program and now attends college pursuing a nursing degree. Sonya overcame childhood trauma, addiction and incarceration with help from SCC case managers to reunify her family. She now works for NAMI's Parents for Parents program.

SCC served over 10,000 children across all programs in 2025, including foster care, adoption, Schoolhouse Link for homeless students, and prevention services, President and CEO Brena Slater reported.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Legacy of Impact Fund served as Leadership Sponsor, with additional support from Honoree Sponsor Sunset Automotive Group.