ST. PETERSBURG — Since 2008, Advantage Village Academy, Inc. (AVA) has been working to “educate, empower, and enhance the quality of life” for those in the south St. Pete community, providing educational support, entrepreneurial training, mentoring, and community feedings and events.
Now, during the COVID-19 crisis, AVA has stepped in to support families who are battling decreased wages while still having mouths to feed in the Jordan Park, Childs Park, and Citrus Grove (formerly Bethel Heights) communities.
Toriano Parker, AVA founder and board member, explained that as the COVID-19 crisis began, AVA chose to negotiate with restaurants such as Pizza Hut and Dominoes, convincing them to lower their prices to help supply food for families in need.
Since the COVID-19 relief efforts started, Parker shared that AVA has provided meals to over 3,460 individuals and provided books during the food giveaways to approximately 250 kids.
AVA also has a major new initiative they are planning for: fundraising for a 14,000-square foot build space located at 945 62nd Ave. S. Parker said space will allow them to fully realize their on-going youth and community programs.
