Eckerd Connects

✈️ Learning Takes Flight! At Eckerd Connects’ Prevention Services, we believe the best learning happens when students are having fun—and our small groups are proving just that! Small groups encourage connection, teamwork, and hands-on engagement. To kick things off at Central Avenue Elementary, we launched into a paper airplane flying competition where creativity soared, chaos reigned, and folding skills were put to the ultimate test. 😂 One lucky winner earned a candy bar and the honor of showing the rest of us how to fold like a pro. 🍫✈️ This is just the beginning—our small groups are ready to spark learning, laughter, and lifelong skills. 💡 #EckerdConnects #PreventionServices #SmallGroups #PreventionMatters #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingFutures

💙 Hope in Action 💙 At Eckerd Connects, we believe every child, young adult, and family deserves the support they need to thrive. That’s why we’ve created Hope Rooms—safe spaces in schools we serve and at our home office where families can access clothing, shoes, hygiene items, and other essentials—no questions asked. ✨👟📚 This month, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible Women’s Group from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – Viera 1. 🙌 Your ongoing support keeps our Hope Rooms stocked and ensures families in our community can find both help and hope when they need it most. We are so grateful for your generosity and partnership. Together, we’re building brighter futures! 🌟 #EckerdConnects #FamilyServices #HopeRoom #CommunityPartners #MakingADifference #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingFutures

🌟 Celebrating Madison’s Success! 🌟 Through our ongoing collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation, Madison was referred to Eckerd Connects’ Support, Training, and Employment Program (STEP). A high school student actively attending interviews but not yet employed, Madison was ready to take her career goals to the next level. She wanted a program that would help her enhance her resume, craft professional cover and thank-you letters, build interview confidence, and develop the skills needed to thrive in the workforce. From day one, Madison approached the program with eagerness and determination. She engaged fully in every workshop, asked thoughtful questions, and ensured all her work readiness documents were completed. After successfully completing the training portion, she interviewed at Burgers & More, impressing the team with her preparation and professionalism. With support from STEP, she earned her Food Handlers Certificate and started her work experience within a week of her interview. During her placement, Madison’s reliability, strong work ethic, and positive attitude stood out. She consistently adhered to her schedule, volunteered for extra shifts, and completed tasks independently—making her an invaluable part of the team. Her dedication paid off when she was offered permanent employment at Burgers & More! Several months later, Madison continues to thrive, bringing enthusiasm and a friendly, professional demeanor to every shift. Thanks to the STEP Program, she not only gained practical work experience but also the confidence and skills to pursue her next steps, including attending community college. 📢 The STEP Program helps youth with disabilities, ages 16–21, gain real-world experience, earn certifications, and launch their careers. Already, 6 participants have been hired permanently after just 80 hours of paid work experience. This Workforce Development month, we are especially proud to share success stories like Madison's. We’re so proud of her hard work and dedication—this milestone is just the beginning! #EckerdConnects #STEPProgram #SuccessStory #WorkforceDevelopment #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingFutures

🌟 As part of his National Listening Tour, President & CEO Michael D. Smith visited our Early Head Start program in Tampa—where learning begins at birth, and parents are supported as their child’s first teachers. Michael joined our team in classrooms filled with curiosity and creativity—reading greeting signs made by children, witnessing the power of early childhood development, and sharing laughs (and plenty of smiles!) with our youngest learners. We were honored to have two parents, Tara and Ashley, help welcome Michael. Tara, a current parent and former teen parent from 9 years ago, shared how Early Head Start supported her in securing stable housing, earning her GED, and building a successful career. Ashley, both a current parent and an Early Head Start teacher at one of our large Family Child Care Homes, credited the program with opening the door to a career she loves. Each year, Eckerd Connects’ Early Head Start program in Tampa serves more than 260 children and families. National research shows that children who participate in Early Head Start are more likely to be ready for kindergarten, experience long-term gains in academic achievement, and have stronger social-emotional development. And Tampa Bay residents, be on the lookout for our new mobile preschool—bringing the joy of learning and the promise of school readiness right to your neighborhood! 🚌✨ 💬 “Meeting these children, parents, and educators reminds me that Early Head Start is about more than education—it’s about strengthening whole families and giving our children a springboard to happy and healthy futures.” – Michael D. Smith #EckerdConnects #EarlyHeadStart #FamilyDriven #ListeningTour #EarlyChildhood #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

🌟 From Challenges to Chairside Success 🌟 As we continue to celebrate Workforce Development month, we are delighted to share some of our incredible success stories. When Mercedez T. joined Eckerd Connects and the Employment, Advancement and Retention Network (EARN) program in June 2024, she had one big dream: complete training at Empire Beauty School and open her own salon. 💇♀️✨ The road wasn’t easy—Mercedez faced housing instability, childcare challenges, financial strain, and family responsibilities. But through it all, she never lost sight of her goal. 💬 “I just have to keep going because I know this is my field and I will be successful,” she told her Workforce Advisor, Kimberlynn Johnson from the Philadelphia West Center. And keep going she did. Mercedez extended her training to be fully prepared, submitted her final timesheet, graduated, and—on August 5—signed the lease for her very own salon suite! 🎉 Her story is proof that with resilience, faith, and the right support, barriers can be overcome and dreams achieved. Eckerd Connects is proud to continue walking alongside Mercedez as she builds her business and her future. #EckerdConnects #WorkforceDevelopment #SuccessStory #Entrepreneurship #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers #WorkforceDevelopmentMonth

We believe in giving second chances, especially to those who need it most. If you have a passion for mentoring and guiding the next generation, check out our latest job opening. Details: Outdoor Youth Counselor in WY https://bit.ly/4mtODO3 #SocialWork #Therapist

❤️💛 Showing Our Gorilla Pride in Pittsburg! 💛❤️ Our Eckerd Connects’ Kansas Foster Care team joined the community in celebrating Pittsburg’s annual Paint the Town Red Week—a 20-year tradition leading up to Pittsburg State University’s first home football game! 🎉🏈 This year’s theme, “Follow the Crimson and Gold,” inspired by The Wizard of Oz, filled the city with creativity as businesses, schools, and families decorated with PSU pride and Kansas spirit. 🌪️✨ We’re proud to be part of this vibrant community while continuing our mission to recruit, train, and support individuals who can provide temporary care, love, and nurturing to children 0-18 years of age. 💙 👉 Learn more about Foster Care Program: https://brnw.ch/21wVZot #EckerdConnects #CommunityPride #FosterCare #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingFutures #PittState

🌟 Community Spotlight 🌟 Our Eckerd Connects team from the LA Wraparound Agency was honored to join in celebrating the Lafayette Housing Authority’s 85 years of service to our community! “For 85 years, the Lafayette Housing Authority has been a cornerstone of housing stability and opportunity in our community,” shared Executive Director and CEO Latweeta Smyers. “This celebration is not only about our past, it’s about the partnerships and people who continue to shape our future.” 💬 At Eckerd Connects, we’re proud to partner in this mission. Through our Wraparound Services, we support children and teens struggling with mental health and addiction disorders, helping families stay together and thrive. Here’s to 85 years of impact—and to the continued work of building hope, opportunity, and success for families across Lafayette. 💙 #EckerdConnects #WraparoundServices #LAWAA #CommunityCelebration #StrongerTogether #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingFutures

💡 Building Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence 💡 Last week in Philadelphia, our Workforce Development program leaders—and community partners like Career Link—joined together for an Emotional Intelligence (EI) workshop facilitated by Josh Kwasnicki, Eckerd Connects Director of Staff Development. The session explored the four core EI domains—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—and gave leaders practical tools to strengthen these skills in their daily work. 🌟 Ana Hernandez, Operations Director, shared her reflection: “Being part of the first EI workshop was a powerful experience—not just for me, but for our entire leadership team. Together, we’re building a culture rooted in emotional intelligence, collaboration, and growth.” At Eckerd Connects, we believe developing emotionally intelligent leaders is key to empowering potential—within our teams, our partners, and the communities we serve. #EckerdConnects #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkforceDevelopment #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

🎒✨ Back-to-School Support at Philadelphia CareerLink West ✨🎒 Shortly before school began, our Philadelphia CareerLink West Center/Eckerd Connects team made sure families started the school year with confidence! 📚 At our Book Bag & Supply Giveaway, participants and their children received brand-new book bags plus $100 Target gift cards for additional school needs. Families enjoyed fresh popcorn and treats while connecting with staff in a fun, supportive environment. 🌟 We also extended the celebration during Retention Night, giving our working participants the chance to access services and school supplies for their children. Thanks to our incredible team, dozens of families walked away better prepared—and reminded that they’re not alone on this journey. 💙 #EckerdConnects #WorkforceDevelopment #BacktoSchool #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers