TAMPA, FLORIDA — Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced an expansion of her Hope Florida initiative that would allow private sector business entities to participate in meeting the needs of Floridians.
Walgreens is the first state-wide implementing partner joining Florida and pledging to offer tailored employment opportunities, such as flexible hours and managerial track options.
Walgreens will also replenish local nonprofits with supplies through CarePortal and support the Hope Florida Fund. TECO, the first regional implementing partner to join Hope Florida, has committed to providing employment opportunities and announced a contribution of $100,000 to support nonprofits through the Hope Florida Fund.
“Through Hope Florida, we have been blessed to guide and support over 50,000 Floridians on a pathway to prosperity, economic self-sufficiency, and hope,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “After witnessing the tremendous difference that faith-based communities make to uplift those in need, I am excited to broaden Hope Florida’s impact by incorporating the generosity and goodwill of private sector corporations.”
The incorporation of private sector corporations into Hope Florida will make Florida the first state in the nation to expand the CarePortal – a nationwide connecting technology that facilitates assistance for local children and families in need. Through the partnership, businesses can provide tangible items like mattresses, bed sheets and clothes, as well as financial assistance and transportation to Floridians with short-term unmet needs.
“Hope Florida works best when there is collaboration among community groups, like faith institutions and nonprofits,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “The first lady’s steadfast leadership has brought this program so far, and with the commitment from companies like TECO and Walgreens we look forward to further supporting strong and resilient families.”
Additional private sector entities that have agreed to support their communities by contributing to the Hope Florida Fund include:
- AT&T with a donation of $50,000
- Automated Health Systems with a donation of $10,000
- AmeriHealth Caritas with a donation of $100,000
- Sunshine Health with a donation of $50,000
- Simply Healthcare with a donation of $100,000
Hope Florida was created by First Lady DeSantis and is implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. “Hope Navigators” help guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity and economic self-sufficiency by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based community, non-profits, and government entities.
For more information on how to join Hope Florida as a private-sector entity, click here.
