United Way Suncoast hosts back-to-school block party for Campbell Park residents

ST. PETERSBURG — As families prepare to send their children back to school this fall, United Way Suncoast is helping make back-to-school time a little easier with a community block party at the Campbell Park Resource Center in St. Petersburg.

The event will take place Saturday, July 28 at the Campbell Park Resource Center, located at 601 12th St. S, from 11-2 p.m.  Parking is available at Campbell Park Elementary School.

The Back-to-School Block Party will provide a fun afternoon of music, food, games and activities for families, as well as giveaways for attendees.

In addition, guests will have the opportunity to visit the newly relocated Resource Center, which is operated by United Way Suncoast with support from Duke Energy and the City of St. Petersburg.

“The Campbell Park Resource Center provides an easily accessible location for families to come to, right here in their community,” said Emery Ivery, chief impact officer for United Way Suncoast. “The new building was made possible by a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation and support from the City of St. Petersburg, and will allow us to help even more people in the neighborhood.”

The Campbell Park Resource Center recently opened in a new building and offers residents a variety of services including financial literacy coaching, career readiness training, legal advice, family support services, a computer lab, homeowner and contractor resources, and free tax preparation services during tax season.

“Duke Energy is proud to work with United Way Suncoast, the Campbell Park community and other partner agencies to support the Campbell Park Resource Center and the valuable services it provides,” said Catherine Stempien, president, Duke Energy Florida. “Our investment last year is helping to expand the capacity of the resource center, which in turn empowers the entire neighborhood and its surrounding communities.”

United Way community resources centers bring together partners to serve neighborhoods with programs and services to help individuals, foster economic stability and build community engagement. In its first year after opening in March 2017, the Campbell Park Resource Center:

• Served 859 individuals at the Cross and Anvil Center

• Aided 358 households

• Enabled 136 individuals to access benefits through the Center

• Provided 191 individuals access to workforce development activities

The community outreach would not be possible without the network of partners working together through the Resource Center that includes Bay Area Legal Services, the City of St. Petersburg, University of Florida Pinellas County Extension, Lutheran Services Florida, Pinellas Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition, Pinellas County Urban League, Religious Community Service – Grace House, Suncoast Center, Inc. and Solar Energy Load Fund.

Campbell Park Resource Center and Financial Empowerment Center hours of operation are Monday – Thursday 8-5 p.m. and Friday from 8-3 p.m.

About United Way Suncoast

United Way Suncoast staff, volunteers and trusted community partners fight for the education and financial stability of every person the communities we serve. Across DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, we develop, enhance and implement services and initiatives to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.

To find Suncoast-area volunteer opportunities, visit volunteersuncoast.org. For more information, please call (941) 748.1313 (Manatee office), (941) 366.2686 (Sarasota office) or (813) 274.0933 (Tampa office) or visit unitedwaysuncoast.org.