Tampa Bay Area Credit Union For Kids Raises $265,000 to Support Starting Right, Now

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2025) – The Tampa Bay Credit Unions for Kids Golf Tournament has raised $265,000 to support Starting Right, Now (SRN), a nonprofit organization addressing the roots of poverty among unaccompanied homeless youth (UHY) throughout the Tampa Bay region. The annual tournament is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Area Credit Unions For Kids, a local consortium of credit unions who join forces annually, raising money to benefit children.

The funds for SRN will be used to resolve a critical freezer issue, purchase a new van, and help grow new affiliates in Pasco, Polk, and possibly Manatee counties.

SRN serves unaccompanied homeless youth—teens who are unhoused, not living with a parent or guardian, and not in foster care. Because these young people voluntarily leave unsafe environments rather than being removed by the Department of Children & Families, they are not eligible for foster care. Many report experiencing violence and economic hardship that make it unsafe to remain at home. Without access to stable housing, food, healthcare, or supportive adults, these youth face increased risks of school failure, mental health challenges, substance abuse, incarceration, and death. According to the 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress, unaccompanied homeless youth reached their highest recorded numbers nationwide.

“Credit Unions for Kids’ generosity will have an immediate and lasting impact on the youth we serve,” said Vicki Sokolik, Founder and CEO of Starting Right , Now. “This funding strengthens our ability to provide the essentials—shelter, safety, and support—while allowing us to expand services where they’re needed most. It sends a powerful message that our community believes in these young people and their capacity to thrive.”

“Credit unions exist to serve their communities, not just financially, but through mission and with purpose,” said Kevin Johnson, Chairman of Tampa Bay Area Credit Unions for Kids. “Investing in Starting Right, Now means investing in the future of youth, ensuring that marginalized young people have the tools they need to overcome and thrive as they access safety, dignity, and hope. Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive,” he added.

About Credit Unions for Kids
The Tampa Bay Area Credit Unions for Kids, Inc., was formed in 2005 and is comprised of local area credit unions. This charitable organization raises funds through its annual golf tournament, the Credit Union “Kids Classic.” Its mission is to make a difference in the lives of children throughout Tampa Bay by funding vital initiatives of the area’s most respected healthcare institutions and nonprofits. The group’s vision is to support worthy causes through donations pledged from its annual tournament and from individual community supporters.

About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $19.2 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.3 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $55 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.