First 1,000 Days Sarasota has launched a digital parent portal for families to instantly connect with community resources and access brain-boosting activities for their babies. Families can sign up free-of-charge to ask for parenting education, healthcare, food, financial assistance, and other resources; case managers on the other end act as a family’s personal concierge for support.

The new referral system is powered by Unite Us, a nationally recognized coordinated care technology. It allows local doctor offices, healthcare agencies, social services, and mental health organizations to promptly connect families to resources as challenges arise. More than 70 partner organizations are working together to create a continuum of care for these families.

The parent portal also contains a sign-up for Every Day Brain Boosts, a free text messaging service that sends weekly science-based tips, activities and videos to parents to help boost their child’s development. The texts offer activity ideas based on five basic principles: maximize love and manage stress; talk and sing; count and compare; explore through play; and read stories. So far, almost 500 referrals have been placed through the First 1,000 Days platform.