Gulf Coast Community Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc. Teen Court's mission is to empower area youth through activities and services that promote self-esteem and self-improvement, and develop a healthy attitude toward authority. All activities instill and teach the benefits of law abiding citizenship and civic engagement.

“Thank you to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for recognizing the need to support young people in this community and their families at a critical time," says Heather Todd, executive director of Teen Court.  "This generous donation will support the youth and their families with wrap-around services through restorative strategies. Thank you for believing in the young people in this community and believing that every child deserves a second chance.”

In 2018, Teen Court opened a new location in North Port. The organization plans to use the Gulf Coast Community Foundation grant to continue to leverage its preventative and behavioral services and programs.