Agency Overview

 

MISSION
Guided by the belief that the family is the foundation of society, Forty Carrots Family
Center is nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families through educational programs for parents, children, and professionals in the field.
 
PRIMARY GOALS
Forty Carrots Family Center strives to:
·        Ensure positive outcomes, both short-term and long-term, for children
·        Build a community of capable, caring, and respectful young people
·        Provide parents/guardians with information, skills, and support to better equip
      them in the job of raising their children
·       Promote positive and productive relationships between parents/guardians and
      their children
·        Prevent child abuse and neglect
PROGRAMS
Forty Carrots has four components:
·        A 5-star nationally accredited (NAEYC) Preschool serving 88 children age 2-5
·        A comprehensive Parenting Center serving families with children birth-5
·        A community outreach Parenting Program “On Wheels”
·        Professional Development and Training Opportunities
ON WHEELS PARTNERS
The On Wheels Parenting Program is a educational service, which travels into the
community to reach families facing specific challenges compounding the already complex
job of raising children. Eighty-eight percent of families served by Forty Carrots receive free
early childhood and parenting education through the On Wheels Program. Funding
for On Wheels comes from individuals, businesses, foundations and Forty Carrots’
fundraising events.
·         CYESIS at Riverview and North Port High School Teen Parent Program –  A program
      providing education and support for pregnant and parenting teens within a district
      high school setting.  Mothers and fathers range in age from 14-18; their children
      vary in age from newborn to 5 years. Weekly services are offered as part of the
      academic curriculum during school hours.
·         First Step, Mothers and Infants Program – A residential program, with a minimum
      stay of six months, for pregnant women who are recovering from addictions.  As
      babies are born, they are incorporated into the program for the remainder of
      their mother's stay.  Classes are on site as part of the residents’ weekly schedule.
·         Forty Carrots Parenting Basics – A referral-based program for parents involved in
      the judicial system, many of whom do not have custody of their children.
      Parents complete a series of five evening classes, meeting court requirements
      for parenting classes to address custody concerns.  To be accessible for working
      parents, this program is held in the evening and offers free on-site childcare and a
      light meal.
·         Sarasota County Public Library System – For families with young children, these
      sites represent a cross-section of community parents, many of whom have
      unidentified risk factors such as substance abuse or domestic violence. Eight
      public libraries participate in this program, reaching a broad community base.
·         SOLVE – A residential program for young homeless pregnant women who need a
     safe living environment during and after pregnancy.  Parenting education and
     early childhood development information is provided weekly on site in their two
     Manatee County facilities.
 
Information, skills and support for parents and children during the first five years of life
·        Welcome to Our World – A free drop-in class for parents and infants
·        Studio 40 – A captivating drop-in program of art, music, movement and other
      creative activities for 1-5 year olds and their grownups
·        Coffee Talk – Coffee & conversation focusing on hot topics for parents of young
      children
·        Parenting 101– A 4-evening series for parents to discuss development,
      temperament and discipline
·        Partners In Play (PIP) – A series of engaging classes where parents share meaningful
      play time with their children and have the opportunity to talk to other parents and
      Forty Carrots parenting educators about parenting concerns
·        Individual Consultation – The opportunity for families who are looking for support
      in a private setting to meet with a parenting educator
 
The Preschool at Forty Carrots Family Center prepares children for success in Kindergarten
and beyond through creative, productive, play experiences. The Preschool provides the
highest quality early childhoodeducation to children age 2-5. While children are
nurtured, challenged, and encouraged, their parents find a network of support, ideas,
and unconditional respect. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need.
License #: 58-51-003970
 
Once a year Forty Carrots hosts a free community education event. This year’s Speaker
Event, “The Digital Dilemma: What’s a Parent to Do?” featuring Michael Rich, M. D., will
be held on September 26, 2011 at Hyatt Regency, Sarasota. At all other times, Forty
Carrots educators are available for trainings on request.

 

Click here to view our original IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.

Click here to view our IRS 501(c)(3) renewal certificate.

Click here to view our IRS Form 990 for 2009-2010