USDA Rural Development Invests in New Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center Facility, Celebrates Completion

(Gainesville, Fla., June 4, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Florida State Director MaryAnn Pistilli recently celebrated the completion of the new Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center in Marianna, recognizing a decade of investment and the center's persistence through adversity.

"With this ribbon cutting celebration, we are honoring USDA's focus on its founding purpose of rural revival and to strengthen local infrastructure in our rural communities," said Pistilli.

Since 2016, the Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center received six investments through USDA Rural Development, including two loans and four grants, to improve and expand their offerings with a new facility. USDA Rural Development provided an initial grant of $137,400 in late 2016 to renovate the center's old building on Lafayette Street. Soon afterward, the building sustained too much damage during Hurricane Michael in 2018 for renovation, prompting plans to demolish the structure and construct a new facility. Construction began in 2023 and this year the center celebrated completion with a ribbon cutting ceremony. In total, the Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center used $1.9 million in USDA loans and grants to complete the new building.

The new facility strengthens the center's ability to carry out its vital work supporting children and families affected by abuse. This investment ensures that vulnerable victims in the community have a safe place to turn and that the center can continue providing specialized, compassionate support at the heart of its mission.

USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These investments strengthen critical community infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and help rural towns attract and retain businesses and services. To learn more about these programs in Florida, contact Program Director SheNeena Forbes at [email protected] .

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway . The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov and subscribe to GovDelivery updates .

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