Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that its Department of Student Services has secured a Hope Florida Model School District designation, expanding access to vital family supports and resources. This honor reflects the district’s commitment to strengthening family support systems and fostering meaningful connections between students, families, and the community.
Hope Florida is an initiative spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis that utilizes trained Hope Navigators to guide Floridians on an individualized path toward prosperity, economic self-sufficiency, and hope. Hope Navigators are experts who work hand-in-hand with individuals to identify their unique barriers and engage all sectors of the community to be a crucial part of the solution. The model emphasizes collaboration among schools, community organizations, faith-based partners, nonprofits, and government agencies to remove barriers and maximize resources.
“This designation reflects our district’s deep commitment to supporting the whole child and the whole family,” said Dr. Kirk Hutchinson, chief of Sarasota County Schools’ Office of Student Support Services. “Through Hope Florida, we are strengthening partnerships and ensuring families have access to the resources they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.”
“This work aligns directly with our mission to ensure every student and family feels supported, connected, and empowered,” said Dr. LaShawn Frost, executive director of Sarasota County Schools’ Department of Student Services. “Hope Florida enhances our ability to collaborate across systems and deliver meaningful, personalized support that leads to lasting outcomes for our families.”
As a Hope Florida Model School District, Sarasota County Schools has a dedicated Hope Florida school liaison in every school. These liaisons serve as a direct connection for families, sharing information about Hope Florida and helping connect parents and community members to additional supports.
“Hope Florida allows us to meet families where they are and provide personalized support that addresses their unique needs,” said Amanda Coker, director of Sarasota County Schools’ Department of Student Services and a Hope Florida Model School District liaison. “By working alongside Hope Navigators and community partners, we are empowering families with tools and resources that promote long-term success for their children.”
In partnership with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), Hope Navigators focus on supporting parents and guardians of children by connecting families to early learning programs, child screenings, and educational resources to ensure a strong foundation for future success.
Families are encouraged to contact their school’s Hope Florida liaison or Sarasota County Schools’ Hope Florida Model School District liaison – Amanda Coker (Amanda.Coker@sarasotacountyschools.net) – for more information about Hope Florida and available supports.