Neal Communities - Honored With Award For Seed Money Donation Of $5000 From Healthy Start

PR Log (Press Release) – Aug 20, 2009 – Justover four years ago, Neal Communities president, Pat Neal recognized the potential of a fledgling community project to impact the lives of local low-income families with newborn children. He believed the project – known as Project Moses – deserved a helping hand and provided $5000 as “seed money” for the grassroots effort to the Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County, which administers the project. Since its initial launch, Project Moses has helped hundreds of families, and Healthy Start Manatee, recently recognized Pat for his foresight and generosity by presenting him an appreciation award.

“Pat Neal has been a wonderful benefactor of Project Moses, and I can honestly say that this program would not be as successful today if it weren’t for his initial contribution,” said Luz Corcuera, program director of the Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County, a non-profit organization that was founded 16 years ago to provide prenatal and parenting education and services for families and prospective parents. “We appreciate Pat’s concern for the community and his willingness to take the lead in helping to create programs that meet the immediate needs of people right here in Manatee County,” she added.
On behalf of the Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County, Jackie Kelsey, board president, presented Pat Neal with a plaque to show gratitude of his support. Fred Leonard, executive director, and Luz Corcuera, program director of the Coalition also attended the presentation.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I have a special place in my heart for children in need,” said Neal. “Project Moses provides warm, safe beds for babies and crucial information and services for their parents. I am proud to have contributed to the success of this innovative program.”

Project Moses was born out of a need to address accidental infant deaths in the county caused by unsafe sleeping practices, such as co-bedding, which can result in suffocation of the baby.  The project was the first of what would eventually incorporate complementary projects and become a broader, comprehensive program to provide critical education and tools to families, now known as the Safe Sleeping Campaign.

Project Moses provides basinets for families who can’t afford them, often working on referrals from area hospitals. The basinets are crafted and sewn by hand by local volunteers. As part of the overall campaign, families are also provided with information about safe sleeping practices for babies and young children. In addition, the campaign provides pack-and-play cribs for older babies as well. For more information about Project Moses and the Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County, visit their website at healthystartmanatee.com.

Neal Communities is ranked #135 among home builders in BUILDER Magazine’s 2008 national listing based on sales. As the company celebrates its 39th year, Neal Communities has reinforced its reputation as Southwest Florida’s largest, locally owned and operated, private builder/developer. Neal Communities touts large unused credit lines, debt free land, with long range plans to purchase additional property for building. Neal Communities has a long history of responsible land development, natural habitat preservation, innovative home building, and unsurpassed customer service, which has been a benchmark of the company’s success. With more than 7,000 homes built in Southwest Florida, Neal Communities’ honors and accolades include 44 Aurora Awards, dozens of Parade of Homes Awards, five Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, visit nealcommunities.com.