The , based at the 91社区, is set to expand its reach by 50% this May, thanks to a significant funding increase from the .
A HIPPY staff member helps a child during a group meeting that included learning activities.
For more than 30 years, HHPIP has supported thousands of families with young children through an evidence-based, home visiting program designed to prepare children ages 2 to 5 for school. The program trains parents to become their child鈥檚 first teacher using a structured curriculum filled with educational and enriching activities aimed at building school readiness.
Currently serving approximately 350 families each year, HHPIP will now be able to reach an additional 500 families annually. The expansion comes with more than $700,000 in new annual funding from the Children鈥檚 Board and will allow for the hiring of eight additional staff members to support the program鈥檚 growth.
HHPIP has maintained a nearly perfect record of performance outcomes, a testament to its dedicated team and impactful curriculum. Recognizing the program鈥檚 consistent excellence and countywide impact, the Children鈥檚 Board approached HHPIP leadership with the expansion opportunity.
Brenda Brinson, Program director and analyst
Brenda Brinson, program director and analyst in the Department of Child and Family Studies, has played a key role in the project鈥檚 success from its earliest days. She has been instrumental in its evolution, from grassroots beginnings to the establishment of the state HIPPY office at USF, and in managing a federally funded AmeriCorps program that supports the initiative.
The expansion underscores the program鈥檚 long-standing commitment to education, family empowerment and community impact 鈥� ensuring even more Hillsborough County families benefit from its proven model of educational success.