Leadership Pensacola Class of 2023 implemented their project, LeaP for Change, which is an initiative that will help provide basic needs including food, hygiene products, clothing, and other necessities to specific local organizations that serve families and children living in communities within the Northwest Florida communities.
Our Purpose
CommUNITY Facts
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According to the 2020 census, 32505 is one of the most poverty affected zip codes in our community with 23.5% of households earning beneath the poverty threshold. This is nearly double the poverty rate in the Greater Pensacola Metropolitan area, and 1.5 times the poverty rate for the state of Florida. (Census Reporter)
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40% of children living in the 32505 zip code are living in households affected by poverty. (Census Reporter)
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For the 2022-2023 school year, 100% of students at C.A. Weiss Elementary were identified as qualifying for free or reduced lunch. (Florida Department of Health)
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32505 Residents are missing 19% more meals weekly than before the COVID-19 Pandemic. (Meal Deficit Metric, Feeding Florida)
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Four census tracts in the 32505 zip code are identified by the USDA as urban food deserts, meaning residents must travel more than 1 mile on foot to access a traditional food retailer.
Children living in poverty experience the daily impacts that come easily to mind — hunger, illness, insecurity, instability — but they also are more likely to experience low academic achievement, obesity, behavioral problems and social and emotional development difficulties. (American Psychological Association)
What LeaP for Change Will Provide
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Partners with organizations located in and providing direct services to families and children living in communities within the 32505 zip code to assess gaps in access to basic needs including food, hygiene products, clothing and other necessities.
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Recognizes children cannot learn when they are hungry or lack access to basic needs.
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Meets needs expressed by community members and organizations providing service to families living in 32505 neighborhoods and communities.
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Supports existing services and expansion of services accessed by families at C.A. Weis Elementary School, Ebonwood,
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Wedgewood, and Brownsville Community Centers
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At the C.A. Weis Elementary School, LeaP for Change supports the onsite Care Closet of the Children’s Home Society which offers nutritious non-perishable food, hygiene items, and educational resources.
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Impacts approximately 500 households
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Teaches young children the importance of good hygiene to overall health
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At the Ebonwood, Wedgewood, and Brownsville Community Centers LeaP for Change establishes community food pantries supported by Feeding the Gulf Coast.
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Impacts approximately 300 households
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Will serve as an access point for information about additional resources and services to help families move toward stability.
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Leadership Pensacola Class of 2023 Project Goals
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To raise $60,000 to support the LeaP for Change project initiatives. This funding will:
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Assist in the procurement of materials and construction of shelving, cabinets, other necessary infrastructure onsite at C.A. Weiss Elementary, Ebonwood Community Center, Wedgewood Community Center, and Brownsville Center.
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To supplement in kind donations to support the operation of the care closet and community pantries through the procurement of shelf stable food items, hygiene products, clothing items, and other basic needs.
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How to Donate:
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All money orders and checks can be made out to the Pensacola Area Chamber Foundation and mailed to the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce at PO BOX 550 Pensacola, FL 32591.
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Donations may also be made by visiting the LeaP for Change website and donation page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the best way to help?
Direction: If you can, the best way to support our efforts is by making a monetary donation. Monetary donations give us the most flexibility to respond to the specifically expressed needs of the organizations we are partnering with.
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All money orders and checks can be made out to the Pensacola Area Chamber Foundation and mailed to the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce at PO BOX 550 Pensacola, FL 32591.
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Donations may also be made by visiting the LeaP for Change donation page.
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For those more interested in only supporting in kind, please direct them to our website to find a list of in kind donation opportunities.
Q: Do you need volunteers?
Direction: Thank you for your interest in supporting LeaP for Change. At this time, we do not have any volunteer opportunities; however, there may be opportunities in the future. For more information about upcoming events/volunteer opportunities visit our website.
Q. Can I host an event for you?
Direction: Thank you for your interest in supporting LeaP for Change. Please connect with our Events Committee Chairs: Margaret Anne West and Macy Williams through filling out our contact form, thank you!
Q. I would like to have you come speak to my group or organization.
Direction: Thank you for your interest in supporting LeaP for Change. Please connect with our Marketing Committee Chairs: Rebekah Morris and Kyle Schoolar and the Events Committee Chairs: Margaret Anne West and Macy Williams through our contact form.
Media Inquiries:
Direction: Please connect with the Marketing Committee Chairs: Rebekah Morris and Kyle Schoolar.