ELC Wins Manatee Chamber Of Commerce 2024 Non-Profit Of The Year
Palmetto, Florida, November 15, 2024 - The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Inc (ELC) was last night honored to be named 2024 Non-Profit of the Year at the 44th annual Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business and Non-Profit awards ceremony.
ELC Chief Executive Officer Darrell King collected the award at the Bradenton Convention Center as the local community came together after the recent challenges caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton to pay tribute to local small businesses and non-profit organizations.
The judges praised ELC, who has 7000 children in it’s programs, for the crucial impact of the child-care subsidy School Readiness (SR) program that helps so many families in Manatee County. Powerful testimonials were read out from families in the SR program who described how it had changed their lives.
ELC was also recognized for supporting child-care Providers and helping prepare children for school through the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, several community reading programs, and other new early educational initiatives that are making an impact on our community’s youngest learners.
“It was my great honor to accept the award at the Convention Center on behalf of our amazing team. This recognition is truly deserved for our staff who each and every day work so hard to enhance the lives of so many children and support our local families and child care providers, “ said King.
“We understand how big a role ELC can play in putting children on the path to success, and we continue to do everything we can as a team to move the needle and provide them with that opportunity to learn and grow.
“A huge part of our mission is supporting families through the SR program, and it was truly moving last night to hear about the impact that has.
“All of the non-profits nominated would have been worthy winners, and we congratulate them for being recognized by the Chamber.
“I would also like to thank our Board of Directors for the fantastic support they give the agency, and for always supporting our mission and vision – I know they are all just as proud as I was last night.”
About ELC of Manatee County
The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. is a multi-service agency dedicated to helping children develop skills that they will need to be successful in school and life. The agency's focus is on high-quality school readiness opportunities for all children and their families, understanding that it is in the first years of life that a child's future educational success is determined and the critical role of parents, as their child's first and most important teacher. To learn more about Coalition's services, go to www.elc-manatee.org or call 941-757-2900, extension 2100.