Connected Manatee Program Expands to Serve More Palmetto Families Throughout the Summer
Turning Points’ Connected Manatee Program continues to provide support and resources to local families throughout the summer months, helping address challenges before they become crises. Three new schools - Tillman Elementary School, Blackburn Elementary School, and Palm View K-8 School - are joining Lincoln Memorial Middle School and Palmetto Elementary School.
Created to foster family stability, the Connected Manatee Program ensures families get vital support proactively, keeping minor setbacks from escalating. By connecting families to rental assistance, community resources, healthcare services, benefits assistance, and other supports, the program helps prevent evictions and promotes long-term stability and well-being. Operating within a trusted, school-connected setting, the Connected Manatee Program reduces barriers to care and ensures families can access the help they need when it matters most.
Services available through the Connected Manatee Program may include:
Community Resource Navigation and referrals
• Benefits Assistance, including support with SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and unemployment applications
• Rental Assistance to help prevent housing instabilityConnections to healthcare and dental resources
• Additional community supports tailored to each family’s unique needs
“When families have reliable access to food, housing, healthcare, and other critical resources during these crucial months, it relieves immense pressure, keeps households secure, and ensures parents have the solid foundation they need to protect and nurture their families all year long,” said Kathleen Cramer, CEO of Turning Points.
The Connected Manatee Program currently serves families connected to:
Lincoln Memorial Middle School
Palmetto Elementary School
Tillman Elementary School
Blackburn Elementary School
Palm View K-8 School
Families of School District of Manatee County employees
The program operates from the Family Support Center located behind Lincoln Memorial Middle School in Palmetto and remains available during the summer months to ensure families continue receiving support while school is out of session.
“Challenges don’t take a summer break,” said Cramer. “Our team remains available to help families access resources, maintain stability, and navigate difficult circumstances throughout the year.”
Families from the eligible schools and School District employees are encouraged to request an appointment by calling 941-209-7498.
For more information about the Connected Manatee Program or Turning Points’ services, visit http://www.tpmanatee.org.
About Connected Manatee Program
The Connected Manatee Program is a collaborative initiative powered by Turning Points and the School District of Manatee County. The program helps families access food assistance, housing support, healthcare resources, benefits assistance, and other community services before challenges become crises. Through early intervention and personalized support, the Connected Manatee Program works to improve family stability and student success.
About Turning Points
Since 1995, Turning Points has provided pathways to hope, health, and housing stability for individuals and families in Manatee County. Programs include Community Resource Navigation, Rental and Utility Assistance, Free Medical and Dental Care, Veterans Services, Connected Manatee Program, and Day Resource Services. Last year, more than 9,000 individuals benefited from Turning Points programs and services. Learn more at http://www.tpmanatee.org.
The Connected Manatee Program is made possible through the generous support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation.