In the video above, Andrea Berry, Executive Director of IR Healthy Start Coalition, introduces the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Report (FIMR). The report includes both qualitative and quantitative data from our community surrounding maternal child health and presents findings about what contributes to health, wellness and infant death. As Berry explains, “Indian River Healthy Start Coalition’s top priority is to ensure no family needlessly withstands this loss.”
Florida Community Loan Fund Now Accepting PPP Loan Applications through SBA lending partner, Community Reinvestment Fund

With the passage of the latest COVID-19 CARES Act legislation, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has re-opened the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) with funding for new loans for nonprofits and small businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida Community Loan Fund will accept PPP loan applications through their SBA lending partner, Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF). Eligible borrowers can apply for first-time PPP funding or a Second Draw PPP loan if they meet certain criteria. FCLF plans to open their application portal in the next few days. If you are interested in accessing PPP through FCLF, please watch for an announcement on their website, www.fclf.org. Or sign up to receive their emails: FCLF.org/connect-with-us. • The program is open to any nonprofit organization based in Florida. • You do not need to be an existing FCLF borrower to apply. • No minimum loan size FCLF’s core purpose is to maximize opportunities for people and places outside the economic mainstream. Since they began 25 years ago, FCLF has supported Florida’s nonprofit sector, and are working with CRF to make sure that nonprofits can access this unique federal program. |
Intern Outings- Childcare Resources of Indian River
By: Alexander Sylvia
This organization has been in Indian River County for longer than I have and is still working to make sure that every child has access to exemplary early-childhood education. Childcare Resources of Indian River helps children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age. They not only have their own early education school, they also partner with local preschools to make sure that no child gets left behind. Even beyond the children themselves, Childcare Resources of Indian River provides certification trainings for local teachers and expert speakers in their fields. In addition to their educational resources, Childcare Resources of Indian River also offers mental and physical health resources for both the children and their families.


Intern Outings- Boys and Girls Club of Indian River
By: Alexander Sylvia
A staple in the community for helping children, the Boys and Girls Club of Indian River County continues to make sure that children have an enriching place to go and simply, be kids. I had the pleasure of visiting the Vero Beach location, but they also have locations in Sebastian and Fellsmere. Typically, the childrens’ time at the Boys and Girls Club is split between schoolwork and off time, but during Christmas break its all play, no work. The club has a full-size indoor basketball court, a full turf soccer field, multiple computer labs, and many different rooms for many different age groups. The club takes in children ages 6 to 18 and has many different activities and programs for all of those ages. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Indian River is an amazing safe haven for the children of Indian River County.

Intern Outings- United Against Poverty
By: Alexander Sylvia
In their new campus, United Against Poverty is fully equipped to fight the good fight against poverty in our community. Not only do they have a member share grocery program, which offers affordable groceries to those who can’t afford it in a traditional grocery store setting, they also have a four-week program called STEP where they teach people the skills they need to be employed. I found their STEP program really interesting because of how comprehensive it is. Not only does it teach people how to get a job, it teaches people how to keep said job. They also have a comprehensive health clinic to deal with any mental or physical health issues that may be preventing them from finding employment. Even with COVID, United Against Poverty is unwavering in their mission to help those below the poverty line.

