( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Children’s Health Collaborative Invests $200,000 in Grants to Support Children in Central Florida
ENSPIRE Collaborator: Madison Dinges
When communities unite around the shared belief that every child deserves to thrive, change becomes more than an aspiration; it becomes a reality. That is the spirit behind the Children’s Health Collaborative, a growing network of 100 organizations across Central Florida working together to support the well-being of children far beyond traditional medicine. This fall, their mission took a major step forward with the announcement of $200,000 in grants to four community-driven initiatives designed to improve mental health, nutrition, education, and economic stability for children and families. Funded by Nemours Children’s Health’s Ginsberg Institute, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), and Marianna D. Pratt Focus & Collaboration Initiative, the grants are a fuel to the vision of child wellness that is rooted in creativity, compassion, and community connection.
“Our collective investment reflects a deep commitment to ensure that children’s health and well-being are influenced not only by medical care but by the full spectrum of resources and support available to them as they live, learn, and grow,” said Nancy Molello, the Executive Director of the Ginsburg Institute at Nemours Children’s Health.
At Millennium Middle School, creativity is taking on a much deeper purpose. Partnering with the Peace and Justice Institute and ArtReach Orlando, the school is introducing an arts-integrated program that uses creative expression to foster emotional resilience and mental wellness. Through painting and storytelling, students are learning how to express themselves, but even more importantly, how to heal and develop an empathetic, connected, and inclusive environment. This initiative reflects the understanding that mental health is not just about treatment, but creating spaces where children are seen, heard, and valued.
In Orlando’s Oak Ridge community, access to nutritious food remains a pressing challenge. To find a solution to this challenge, Cristo Rey Orlando High School is joining forces with HEBNI Nutrition and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to create a comprehensive wellness program. The initiative will combine education on nutrition with sustainable gardening and fitness resources to empower students with lifelong skills for healthy living. Together, these partners are redefining what it means to nourish a community to prove that when children understand and have access to good nutrition, their potential expands in every direction. Jeff Hayward, President and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way further adds to this by stating, “By addressing key factors like mental health, nutrition, education, and economic stability, we are not only helping children thrive but also strengthening the family unit that supports them.”
The earliest years of a child’s education can further determine the trajectory of their entire life. In recognizing this, the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County and Orange County Public Schools are working together to improve the transition from preschool to kindergarten as this is a crucial period of growth and adjustment. This initiative emphasizes access to quality education, more family engagement, and developmental resources all to ensure that children entering kindergarten are well prepared and ready to succeed. By supporting families through this pivotal time, the partners are investing in the long-term strength of both children and the communities they call home.
Last but certainly not least, Community Legal Services and The Sharing Center are collaborating to remove the legal and financial barriers that stand in the way of Seminole County families and are offering legal assistance, access to benefits, and job training to individuals and families who are facing hardship or homelessness. By connecting legal aid with economic opportunity, this partnership is tackling the root causes of instability and helping families build pathways toward their independence. This serves as a reminder that health and well-being are deeply intertwined with justice, equity, and access.
Each of these four initiatives will receive $50,000 to bring their programs to life. In the coming weeks, recipients will participate in a Spark Tank event, where they will share how their work will advance children’s health with the opportunity to earn additional funding for their innovative ideas.
For the funders, the goal extends far beyond this single round of grants, it is igniting a movement. A movement that unites nonprofits, schools, and families in a shared mission to create a healthier, resilient Central Florida. A Marianna D. Pratt Focus & Collaboration Initiative representative shares, “We look forward to seeing the meaningful outcomes these investments will generate, helping to foster a stronger, more supportive community where our children can thrive.”
The Children’s Health Collaborative’s impact is not measured in numbers or dollars, the power lies in the connection it builds. The connections between art and healing, food and empowerment, and families and opportunity builds a whole-child approach that recognizes that health begins in the places where children live, learn, and dream.
Through collaboration, these organizations are rewriting the story of what children’s health looks like, one that is rooted in creativity, compassion, and courage to ultimately prove that when we invest in our children, we are investing in our future. In a world that is divided by challenge, the Children’s Health Collaborative stands as a powerful reminder of what can happen when we choose action over words.
Through these transformative investments, the Children’s Health Collaborative and its partners are proving that real change begins with unity and purpose. The $200,000 in grants awarded is more than a financial investment; it is an investment in the belonging, resilience, and opportunity given to the community. Through their shared investment, these organizations are not only improving access to health and education, but they are planting the seeds of lasting transformation. Every child supported through these initiatives represents a brighter future for Central Florida. It represents a future where mental health is nurtured, families are empowered, and communities grow stronger together. This work embodies the nature of ENSPIRE, to prove that when we lift up our youngest generation with care and creativity, we can create a ripple effect of hope that can touch everyone. At ENSPIRE, we celebrate those who lead with heart and want to transform lives through the act of caring, and the Children’s Health Collaborative is doing just that.
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