The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County is helping more local children gain lifesaving water safety skills by contributing funding toward Big Dreams Through Small Steps’ AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program, allowing additional families to be removed from the program’s extensive waitlist and receive free swim lesson scholarships. The contribution supports the coalition’s mission of ensuring children have access to quality early learning opportunities that prepare th

Jess Jewelers is continuing its commitment to giving back to the Manatee County community by supporting two initiatives focused on improving the lives of local children and families. The longtime local business is sponsoring children to receive free swim lessons through the AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program, an initiative operated by Big Dreams Through Small Steps. The program provides swim lesson scholarships to help children develop essential water safety and swimming

Big Dreams Through Small Steps and the YMCA of Southwest Florida have announced a new partnership to expand access to swim lessons for children across Manatee and Sarasota counties through the nonprofit’s AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program. The partnership brings together two nonprofit organizations with a shared commitment to strengthening the community and improving the lives of children and families. Big Dreams Through Small Steps works to empower children and familie

Ten Tampa Bay area nonprofits received a major boost Wednesday as the AES Restaurant Foundation distributed more than $135,000 during its annual Arby’s Day of Giving, celebrating organizations making a difference across the region through customer generosity and employee involvement. The June 24 event recognized 10 local charities selected by AES Restaurants team members, with funding generated through year-round customer donations at participating Arby’s restaurants. Guests

Big Dreams Through Small Steps has received a donation from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to support its AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program, helping more children gain access to lifesaving swim lessons and water safety education. The contribution comes at a critical time for the nonprofit’s signature drowning prevention initiative. Originally designed to serve dozens of local children, the 2026 AQUAlibrium program received an overwhelming response from families,

A new partnership between Big Dreams Through Small Steps and the Bayshore Gardens Park and Recreation District will help more local children gain access to lifesaving swim lessons through the AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program. The partnership was established after Big Dreams Through Small Steps received an overwhelming number of applications for its AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program, leaving many children on a waitlist for swim lesson assistance. The strong demand

Water safety education and drowning prevention took center stage during the Florida Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition Florida Summit 2026, where Britt Jackson of Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention presented critical information about the dangers of underwater hypoxic blackout and breath-holding activities. The presentation was part of ongoing efforts during Water Safety Month to increase awareness about drowning risks, particularly among children, teens, competitive swimmers,

The nonprofit Big Dreams Through Small Steps officially launched its AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program on Monday, May 11, and within the first week, the initiative received more than 350 applications from families seeking swim lesson assistance for children. The overwhelming response comes during a time of heightened concern surrounding water safety after a 4-year-old girl drowned May 9th during a pool party at an apartment complex. The tragedy has renewed attention on

The Giving Partner has added Big Dreams Through Small Steps to its regional nonprofit directory, expanding the organization’s visibility to donors, grantmakers, volunteers and community members across Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. Presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, The Giving Partner serves as a centralized online resource featuring more than 700 nonprofit organizations committed to transparency through public profiles that include m

Big Dreams Through Small Steps has launched the second year of its AQUAlibrium drowning prevention initiative, expanding efforts to provide swim lessons and water safety education for children in Manatee County and surrounding communities. The program’s return during National Water Safety Month comes as the community mourns the recent drowning death of a 4-year-old girl at a pool party held at an apartment complex in Bradenton on Saturday evening. Organizers said the tragedy

May is recognized as National Water Safety Month, bringing attention to drowning prevention and the importance of water safety education, particularly in communities where water activities are a regular part of life. Leading local efforts this year, Big Dreams Through Small Steps is launching the second year of its swim scholarship program through the AQUAlibrium initiative. The program is designed to provide children with access to swim lessons, helping them build confidence

A collaboration between Northeastern University and the nonprofit Big Dreams Through Small Steps is giving graduate students the opportunity to work directly with a growing community initiative while helping strengthen a program that supports individuals with disabilities. The partnership is part of Northeastern’s NPM6320 Ventures Social Entrepreneurship course within the university’s Nonprofit Management Program through the College of Professional Studies. Through the univer

Big Dreams Through Small Steps has released its inaugural Annual Impact Report, marking a milestone year for the nonprofit as it formalizes its role as a community connector, program leader, and trusted source of public service information across Manatee County and the greater Suncoast region. Founded on the mission of empowering families and building stronger communities by connecting needs to solutions one small step at a time, the organization’s first impact report outlin

On January 10, 2026, Misty and Robert Ritch had the opportunity to support the next generation of business and community leaders by serving as judges at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) District Competition, hosted at Lakewood Ranch High School. The event brought together motivated high school students from across the district to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and professionalism in a variety of competitive events designed to mirror real-world business cha

Florida recorded a tragic and unprecedented 112 child drowning deaths in 2025, the highest total ever documented in state records and the most of any state in the nation. The alarming statistic has renewed urgency among lawmakers, safety advocates, and community organizations working to prevent childhood drownings. In response, Orlando lawmaker Carlos Guillermo Smith has introduced a multi-bill legislative package focused on comprehensive drowning prevention. Smith said that

Bradenton-based nonprofit Big Dreams Through Small Steps has partnered with Goodwill Manasota to help those with disabilities and chronic health conditions receive critical support. The collaboration will expand Big Dreams’ community initiative, Bridge Abilities, a program dedicated to providing mobility aids and medical equipment to individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions who lack access due to financial hardship or gaps in coverage. The partnership marks a sign

Big Dreams Through Small Steps has partnered with Goodwill Manasota to expand its community initiative, Bridge Abilities—a program...

As communities around the globe mark World Drowning Prevention Day , Big Dreams Through Small Steps is taking bold strides locally to...

Entrepreneurs and veterans alike received a powerful boost of inspiration and practical knowledge as Robert Ritch , Chairman of Ritch...

Two local nonprofits are teaming up to protect some of Manatee County’s most vulnerable children. Big Dreams Through Small Steps and...