The League believes in the power of one individual to make a tangible difference in our community and is dedicated to honoring those who work daily to create transformative change within Hillsborough County. To that end, The Junior League of Tampa has created the 1926 Legacy Award and accompanying grant to recognize outstanding individuals, as exemplified by inspiring leadership and commitment to lasting community impact, in the areas of child welfare and education. The Junior League of Tampa Annual Gala and presentation of the 1926 Award aims to tell the story of the League and its volunteers, and to celebrate the diverse and influential stories of the award recipients and their tireless work to better where our families live, work and play.

Vicki Sokolik is the Founder and Executive Director of Starting Right Now (SRN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness for Tampa Bay youth.

SRN serves homeless unaccompanied youths registered in Hillsborough (HCPS) and Pinellas (PCS) County public high schools. All SRN participants are below the “extremely low (30%)” federal HUD income limit, accessing free-and-reduced lunch through the public school and participating in the food stamp program, SNAP, which requires income documentation to determine eligibility.

Unaccompanied youths are often missed by the social service system. They are ineligible for foster care because they are not forcibly removed from their home but rather choose to leave for their own safety. They consistently report family dysfunction as the primary reason they no longer live at home. Many students are forced to leave home when their family cannot financially accommodate all members.

Under Vicki’s leadership, SRN empowers homeless unaccompanied youth to become self-sufficient citizens, breaking the cycle of generational homelessness and poverty. Students are referred to the program by HCPS or PCS. SRN provides youth with permanent housing as well as individualized resources to help them thrive as students and into adulthood.

Beyond providing essential services, Vicki has also been a leading advocate for legislative reform to protect homeless unaccompanied youths. Through her work, Vicki was instrumental in testifying before the House of Representatives in Florida to pass five bills protecting unaccompanied youths throughout the State. Due to her role in legislation reform, Florida’s Chief Operating Officer for Government Operations, appointed Vicki to serve on the Independent Living Services Advisory Council for the State of Florida. Vicki was also appointed by the Governor to serve on the Council of Homeless Board.

As the winner of the 1926 Legacy Award, Vicki will receive $10,000 to support Starting Right, Now and the Tampa Bay youth she has devoted her life to serving.

The Gala sponsors will have the opportunity to invest in the Tampa community while also promoting their brand. Our sponsors receive a wide array of event, print, and digital promotion.

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