Written by Denise Wilson, Communications Volunteer
 

It's been nearly two years since Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the U.S., made landfall as a Category 4 storm and carved a path of destruction across Florida. What took only hours to destroy, will take years to rebuild.

Thanks to generous donors and their meaningful support, the Red Cross has been able to fund relief and recovery programs for both individuals and community long-term recovery in the months and years to come. 

The following partner-led recovery project is one of dozens of community recovery grants awarded to help address unmet needs of people and communities impacted. 

Gulf Coast Partnership
Charlotte County, Florida

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Charlotte County faced the loss of many essential childcare facilities including eight daycare closures. This left local families in a challenging situation for childcare services. 

Recognizing the urgent need, the Gulf Coast Partnership, in collaboration with the American Red Cross and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, stepped up to create Stars Academy.

Michelle Croft, Director of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, stated, “To have this partnership between Gulf Coast Partnership, Red Cross, and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is an impactful thing and a wonderful celebration of coming together and meeting an important need in our community.” 

On July 11th, the Stars Academy had a special ribbon cutting in Port Charlotte celebrating a cornerstone of the community's recovery efforts after Hurricane Ian. Linzy Wilson, Deputy Director, and Ebony Bennett, Grants Recovery Manager of the Red Cross Hurricane Ian Long-Term Recovery Program, attended the celebration.

The new childcare center will cater to families with children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, providing a safe and nurturing environment for its youngest residents. The plan is to enroll about 90 children.

Stars Academy will also play a pivotal role in the long-term resilience of Charlotte County by educating parents on hurricane safety and conducting weather drills with the children. 

Gulf Coast Partnership CEO Angela Hogan said, “Stars Academy is not just a childcare center, it’s a critical step in our long-term recovery efforts.” The impact of lost childcare is profound: 
 

• Financial Strain on Families: Without reliable childcare, parents may be forced to reduce their work hours or even leave their jobs, leading to significant financial stress and housing instability or worse…homelessness. 
• Ripple Effects on the Local Economy: Reduced workforce participation and economic productivity can hinder the community's recovery and growth. 

"Our goal is to reach as many children as possible who have been impacted by trauma due to community events, ensuring they have a safe environment for teaching and learning," explained Maria Guerrero, newly appointed Director of Stars Academy. “The generous funding from the Red Cross and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is being utilized to renovate facilities, purchase classroom materials, hire and train staff, and provide nutritious meals for the children.”

Red Cross Long-Term recovery grants are dedicated to funding organizations and transformational projects like the Stars Academy that assist the most vulnerable individuals, households, and communities. For more information on Hurricane Ian recovery programs, please visit www.redcross.org/Ian. 

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