The Connected Manatee program is expanding to three additional schools in the Palmetto area, extending support services to more students, families, and school district employees facing financial or personal hardships.
The program, a partnership between Turning Points and the School District of Manatee County, launched in January at Lincoln Memorial Middle School and Palmetto Elementary School. Officials announced that James Tillman Elementary School, Blackburn Elementary School, and Palm View K-8 will now participate in the initiative.
Connected Manatee is designed to connect families with assistance before financial challenges worsen. Services include case management, benefits assistance, school supplies, and referrals to community resources. Staff members can also help individuals dealing with job loss, loss of health insurance, childcare issues, housing instability, and other crises.
Turning Points provides navigators, case managers, and benefits specialists who work directly with families to identify needs and connect them with available resources. Program leaders say the expansion is focused on Palmetto because demand for assistance remains high in the area.
According to Turning Points, the program also offers help with applications for services such as SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance, and unemployment benefits. The organization said the program remains available during the summer months to ensure families can continue receiving support while school is out of session.
The Connected Manatee program is supported by funding from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation.
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