As we close out 2025, one truth stands above all: human connection changes everything.

Thanks to supporters like you, Eckerd Connects helped hundreds of thousands of children, families, youth, and adults build brighter futures this year such as James, one of our workforce development participants:

“I was making $12.50/hour as a security guard and needed a better path. Michelle from Eckerd Connects helped me find that path, get the CDL training I needed, and kept me motivated. Now I’m starting a new job in trucking—with a 60% pay increase.”

Because of your generosity, 2025 was a year of momentum and measurable impact, including:

• 250,000+ job seekers supported annually through One-Stop/American Job Centers and 8,600+ youth and adults received career training and employment support. After 12 months, nearly 75% are still gainfully employed.
• 8,700 children and families served annually across Florida, North Carolina, Kansas, and Louisiana. Families gain access to safe foster care, wraparound support, therapeutic services, and prevention programs. Ninety-five percent made critical gains in education.
• 6,100 young adults served annually across nine states and the District of Columbia — with six of the 11 Job Corps campuses Eckerd operates or co-operates ranking among the top 32 nationwide. 
• 100 clients and their families—330 people total—received rapid assistance through our expanded Success Awards Program, providing critical food and basic resources that helped families stabilize, stay housed, and stay hopeful.

Looking Ahead: A Bolder, Brighter 2026

With your continued support, we’re preparing to:

• Connect thousands more youth, young adults, and families to career pathways and family-sustaining wages through expanded workforce, Job Corps, and employer-driven training programs.
• Build new strategic partnerships that open doors to opportunities from Fortune 500 employers to community-based organizations — strengthening pathways to careers in high-demand industries, access to apprenticeships and real-world skills in emerging AI technology.
• Become a server and solver, leveraging decades of best practices and lessons learned to develop — alongside local and national partners — systemic solutions to entrenched challenges in foster care, child welfare, workforce development, and youth opportunity.

Why Give Today?

Because your gift doesn’t just fund services.
It creates safety. It builds stability. It opens doors.

Your tax-deductible donation before December 31 ensures we can enter the new year ready to move this work forward with strength and stability.

Your year-end donation will directly support:

• Families experiencing unexpected personal and economic hardships
• Youth preparing for good-paying careers in growing industries
• Children in need of safe, nurturing homes

Every gift is an act of connection—and connection changes lives.

For Inquiries?

For more information, please contact Melanie Webre, Fund Development Manager at MWebre@eckerd.org or (727) 247-2614.

Make Your Year-End Gift Now!