Foundation of Caring Presents Grant to Layla’s House

$10,000 towards Baby University

Last week, the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring presented a grant in the amount of $10,000 to Champions’ Layla’s House program in support of Baby University. The Foundation of Caring strives to strengthen our community by funding programs and services so deserving children and families have the opportunity to thrive. This grant empowers Champions to fulfill our mission to prevent child abuse and neglect through our parent-child education programs.

“Layla’s House will always have special place in FMC Foundation of Caring’s heart because of our extraordinary connection with Dr. Chami and his family. From the onset, we whole-heartedly believed in the mission and vision of this program to strengthen the relationship between children, their parents and caregivers in this community. Through this grant, it is our hope this program will continue to help families thrive. We are honored and privileged to be a small part of its continued success.” – Angela Pottinger, Executive Director of the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring

We thank the Foundation of Caring for being a long-time supporter of Champions’ for Children. More than 10 years ago, Florida Medical Clinic was one of the original funders of the Layla’s House Program, which is named after the daughter of a Florida Medical Clinic doctor and his wife, the Chami’s. Florida Medical Clinic, the Chami’s, and their friends and colleagues made Layla’s House possible and to this day still continue to support through grants and hands-on volunteering!

What is Baby University?
Baby University is an 8-week series for expecting parents and parents of newborns. This series covers everything a parent needs to know in preparation for having a new baby. Topics include forming healthy attachments, newborn care, childbirth education, child safety, car seat safety, promoting healthy brain development through play, and what to ask the pediatrician about baby’s health and nutrition. The class ends with a mini “baby shower,” where parents go home with valuable supplies to help them get started as a parent!

What will the grant do?
This grant helps cover the costs of all supplies and materials for families in Baby University for the next year! It will also allow us to continue the program while we build sustainable funding for it. The staff at Layla’s House will also now have the opportunity to get trained in Infant Massage so that they can provide that additional service to families as part of their Baby University participation. Infant massage is a beneficial skills for parents to learn because it not only teaches parents soothing techniques, but also helps build the bond between baby and parent.

Together, Champions and the FMC family we will continue to make Tampa Bay a safe and healthy community for children and families.

About the Foundation of Caring:
Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring strives to support individuals, children and families in need and at risk in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties. Through volunteerism and funding we leverage resources to enrich lives and create measurable, immediate and ongoing positive changes in our communities. To learn more, visit: https://fmcfoundationofcaring.org/