Hometown change is in the projected playbook long after the last 2021 touchdown. Three initiatives introduced by the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee under its
Forever 55 Legacy Program’s Systemic Justice pillar stand to open discourse regarding racial inequity and inspire lasting local improvement. Forever 55 aims to leave a social legacy in Tampa Bay and encompasses six total focus pillars.
“We want to make sure that Tampa Bay is informed of the social impact and legacy that hosting an event of this magnitude leaves on the community,” says Claire Lessinger, chief operating officer of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee.
The Host Committee raised $1 million in funding for Forever 55; the NFL matched that investment with an additional $1 million. Strategic partners have been added for oversight, dollar distribution management, NFL liaises, and microgrant program development. In short, anyone who believes the local impact of the Super Bowl ends February 7 as the clock ticks down to zero is mistaken.
First on the field: A six-part series comprised of comprehensive programs regarding community policing, financial literacy, and transformative community conversations. Those conversations will happen amidst
Huddle for Change, a partnership between the
Host Committee,
NFL Inspire Change,
Community Tampa Bay, and the
University of South Florida. Community members and local leaders are encouraged to join in a dialogue centered around the wealth gap, mental health, physical wellbeing, community policing, and education. The goal is to spark change at a local level.
A robust
Financial Literacy Program comprises another part of the initiative. Twenty families from Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties have been identified by healthcare partners Tampa General Hospital and Advent Health; these moderate-income households will receive financial coaching regarding subjects such as budgeting and savings strategies.
Healthy Start, a non-profit maternal and child health organization, has been tapped to manage the intake process and help participants through the program.
“We anticipate the pilot being a huge success,” Lessinger says. “One of our central goals was to ensure that the network of services and care developed by these uniting agencies created a sustainable framework for the future, allowing us to leave an everlasting impact on these children, families, and our community.”
Trust and collaboration are the aims of the
Community Policing initiative, which looks to build trust and improve communication between Bay Area youth and the law enforcement community. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Derrick Brooks’ nonprofit organization,
Derrick Brooks Charities, is set to host Community-Police Relationship (CPR) events. And there’s more to come.
“The $2 million investment is spread across the six pillars that represent our community’s greatest needs: early childhood education, food insecurity, families, health and wellness, sustainability and systemic justice,” Lessinger says. “Over 35 beneficiaries and strategic partners will benefit from the legacy grant and help ensure its everlasting impact.”
Another example of the initiative's impact is the Forever 55 Youth Garden; the NFL donated $10,000 for its creation. Located at the Oaks at Riverview, the garden will provide hours of wholesome youth activity and nutritious food for families.
83 Degrees stories about philanthropy and its impact on the community are supported in part through contributions to the Solutions Journalism Fund set up through the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. This fund was developed to support solutions journalism and storytelling that will provide information and build awareness designed to grow support for local nonprofits and their missions. The storytelling will focus on how local charities contribute to community building, public health, the arts, and equity issues as it relates to neighborhoods, education, and the environment. You can donate now by following this link.
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