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Valrico Edition
Volume 18, Issue 6
NEWBORNS IN NEED CELEBRATES A DECADE OF CARING FOR INFANTS IN THE COMMUNITY
HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION AND KIWANIS ISSUE SCHOLARSHIPS By Kate Quesada
For a decade, Newto clothe their infant. borns in Need of Valrico Initially, “I looked onhas steadfastly supline, I read about how ported infants and their they support preemies families during difficult and I myself was a preetimes and hardships. mie at 2 lb., 6 oz., and Through thoughtfulI know how difficult it ly selected items and was way back then to handmade gifts, the get preemie stuff,” said volunteers at Newborns Mowery “I had no clue in Need offer love to inwhat I was getting into, fants in the form of care but I knew it was what I packages. wanted to supSince its founding in port.” July of 2011, the Valrico There are chapter of Newborns in currently Need has operated with around 40 volthe mission “to take care Newborns in Need Founder Sue Mowery unteers with of sick and needy babies (left) delivers care packages to Nurse-Fam- the organization, some of ily Partnership in addition to many other for families in case of which are long-distance organizations throughout the area. crisis to help where help but still participate by is needed,” said Sue Mowery, founder and mailing in donations for care packages. director of Newborns in Need of Valrico. This year, Newborns in Need of Valrico Newborns in Need currently supports plans to celebrate its special 10-year anniseven organizations in the area, including versary on Saturday, July 10. Customarily, Brandon Regional Hospital, Tampa General the volunteers meet on the second SaturHospital and one of its primary partner- day of each month at the South Life Baptist ships, Choices in Brandon. Church in Valrico. Each handcrafted care package delivered In honor of the anniversary, Mowery reby the nonprofit includes up to 21 baby flected on one of her most memorable moitems that provide relief for families in dif- ments with the nonprofit and stated, “I saw ficult situations. Every recipient receives a a lady that had a 1-pound baby I got to see. homemade blanket in addition to other ne- She was able to let me see the baby, she cessities like infant outfits, a small toy and gave me permission and it was like our little washcloths. project together to make clothes for that The volunteers at Newborns in Need 1-pound baby.” also make bereavement gifts out of donatFor more about Newborns in Need and to ed wedding dresses for families that have find out how to get involved with the orgalost a baby. With the donations, they create nization, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page smaller dresses that individuals can select @NINCWFL.
community organizations and individual donors to fund the scholarship program. “We are grateful to the partners who share our beliefs and are investing in the next generation through our programs,” said Oestreich. One of the partners is Students throughout Hillsborough County benefitted recently from the Kiwanis Club of Tamscholarships issued by Hillsborough Education Foundation and the pa. According to Oestreich, Kiwanis Club. over the past 20 years, the Kiwanis Club of Tampa and Students throughout Hillsborough County are one step closer to reaching their goals Tampa Kiwanis Foundation have given out thanks to the generosity of two local groups. nearly a half-million dollars in scholarships Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) through Hillsborough Education Foundation. and the Kiwanis Club of Tampa and Tampa The scholarships help deserving Hillsborough Kiwanis Foundation issued scholarships last County Public Schools students achieve their month that will help local seniors further goals of going to a university, community college or technical college. their educations. “In Kiwanis, internationally, our goal is “Hillsborough Education Foundation is proud to support graduating seniors’ dreams kids. We think the future is really tied to of continuing their education at a universi- good education. We feel in our community ty, community college or technical college there’s a lot of kids who need help financially through our community scholarships,” said in being able to get into college. We’ve been very pleased to partner with Hillsborough HEF CEO Kendra Oestreich. More than 200 Class of 2021 Seniors were Education Foundation in our programs,” said awarded more than $500,000 in scholar- Dave Rogoff, Tampa Kiwanis Foundation ships, ranging from $500-$15,000. Nine of president. Last month, the club awarded $20,500 to these students graduated from Bloomingdale High School, four from Brandon High eight high school seniors. Established in 1987, HEF is a nonprofit foSchool and six from Durant High School. “We never want families’ incomes to be cused on strengthening public education by a barrier for students to reach their fullest supporting teachers and empowering stupotential. These scholarships can help reduce dents to achieve academic and personal sucthat financial strain, positively [impacting] cess. HEF’s resources and financial support students’ lives and the future of our commu- enrich K–12 educational experiences and provide equity in education for all students. nity,” said HEF CEO Kim Jowell. HEF teams up with business partners, Learn more at educationfoundation.com.
By Hayley Fedor
WWW.WOMENSCAREFL.COM
