Turning Points Launches “Connected Manatee,” a New Pilot Program to Support Families and Prevent Student Homelessness
Turning Points is proud to announce the launch of Connected Manatee, a new pilot program designed to meet families where they are and provide critical support before a crisis becomes a catastrophe. Beginning January 7, Turning Points team members will be on-site at the Family Welcome Center, serving families of Lincoln Memorial Middle School and Palmetto Elementary School.
Connected Manatee is a collaborative effort focused on strengthening family stability and preventing homelessness by addressing the root causes of hardship. Through this program, families facing crisis will have access to:
Community Resource Navigation to advocate for and connect families with essential services
Benefits Assistance, including help applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and other public supports
Rental Assistance to help prevent eviction and keep families safely housed
“When families are living with the uncertainty of eviction or not knowing where their next meal will come from, children carry that stress into the classroom,” said Kathleen Cramer, Executive Director of Turning Points. “That stress and trauma often disrupt focus, behavior, and academic progress—setting students back at a time when stability matters most.”
By embedding services directly within the school community, Connected Manatee removes barriers to access and allows families to receive help in a familiar, trusted environment. The goal is simple but powerful: keep children housed, supported, and ready to learn by stabilizing their families during times of crisis.
Connected Manatee is made possible thanks in part to support from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and the partnership of the School District of Manatee County. Together, these partners are working to ensure that families receive timely assistance before housing instability leads to homelessness.
“Connected Manatee reflects our belief that stability at home is essential for success at school,” said Cramer. “Thanks to the generosity of the Barancik Foundation and our partnership with the School District of Manatee County, we can intervene earlier, reduce trauma, and help families move from crisis to stability—so children can focus on being kids.”
We look forward to celebrating the official launch of Connected Manatee with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Details, including the date and time, will be announced. The event will be held at the Family Support Center, 1400 1st Ave E, Building 5, Palmetto, FL 34221.
Connected Manatee represents a proactive approach to family support—one that strengthens households, protects educational continuity, and builds a healthier future for children and the community as a whole. Assistance is available by appointment only. Families are encouraged to email connectedmanatee@tpmanatee.org to request an appointment.
For more information about Connected Manatee or Turning Points’ services, visit http://www.tpmanatee.org.
About Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation: The Charles and Margery Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people. It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation—a private, family foundation located in Sarasota, Florida. Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. For more information, visit http://www.barancikfoundation.org.
About Turning Points: Last year, over 9,000 individuals benefited from programs at Turning Points, including Community Resource Navigation, which helps individuals and families navigate crises and access essential resources; Rental and Utility Assistance, a vital tool in preventing housing instability; Free Medical and Dental Care, which supports uninsured Manatee County residents in maintaining their health; Day Resource Services, offering hot showers, laundry, clothing, and other essential basic needs; and Veterans’ Services, providing comprehensive housing solutions and wraparound support for those who served our nation. Visit tpmanatee.org to learn more.
