WEST REGION
$2.5 million FCLF financing (3 loans)
Refinancing & improvements
Supportive housing for youth in foster care
Facility renovation, school for grades 6-12

SailFuture’s mission is to “create transformational experiences that empower youth to transform their lives.” Through long-term housing in a family like environment, SailFuture helps some of the state’s challenging teenagers in foster care find stability and a place to begin their growth and healing process.

The SailFuture group home also engages their residents in 3-month service learning programs where they live on and sail a 65-foot sailing vessel. During their journey, youth participate in a fully accredited high school program, receive counseling, and build industry-specific job skills in the marine, hospitality, and culinary fields. After graduating high school and turning 18, the students go on to work full-time or attend college. SailFuture provides transitional housing to ensure a seamless transition on their next step to adulthood.

With financing from Florida Community Loan Fund, SailFuture refinanced a 4,475 square-foot single family home that serves as a foster care group home, and made needed renovations to the building. Refinancing of the existing mortgage allows the organization to continue its mission and programs, and have infrastructure in place to expand programs to serve youth in other counties. Additional repairs to a dock on the property were provided by a grant through the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and its 2018 Leadership St. Pete class project. In 2021 additional financing from FCLF allowed SailFuture to refinance another group home that provides housing and services for 6 youth in foster care.

Another FCLF loan enabled SailFuture to purchase a 35,000 sq-ft school building which the organization will transform into the SailFuture Academy, providing grades 6-12 education for up to 200 students. The school will focus on the unique academic and emotional needs of students from low-income families and youth in foster care, including the youth in SailFuture’s foster homes. These at-risk students will benefit from low student-to-teacher ratios and individual learning plans. Funding for operating expenses will be provided through scholarships and other diversified revenue services. The SailFuture Academy project allows SailFuture to expand its services to at-risk youth in a more effective learning environment. 45 full time permanent jobs will be created through the project.

SailFuture provides significant impact through its programs. More than 380 young people are served annually, finding family, support, and resources through the holistic approach at SailFuture. 90% have graduated high school on time, 87% are employed full time or attending college, and 87% are in stable housing. In addition to housing and sailing, SailFuture provides job training and alternative education through its private high school.

Learn more at www.sailfuture.org.
Read more about Sail Future and its programs in this article from the Chronicle of Social Change.

Pictured above, this home offers stability and housing for youth in foster care. Below, SailFuture teens learn skills and job training during their stay. Also below, this school building will be transformed into SailFuture Academy.