Board honors Redlands Christian Migrant Association for its dedication to quality child care and education
During the Oct. 1 meeting, The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation declaring Oct. 1 as RCMA Day.
Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) Program Coordinator Salma Haidermota and Early Childhood Specialist Josie Gracia accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization.
Since its founding on Oct. 1, 1965, RCMA has served Florida's most vulnerable children and families, particularly those of farm-working and rural communities. It has grown into Florida's largest nonprofit provider of early childhood education and one of the state's most respected charter school operators, now serving more than 4,300 children and families across 18 counties. The impact of RCMA is deeply felt in Hillsborough County, where its local centers and programs support working parents, prepare children for success in school and life, and build stronger communities through education and empowerment.
After accepting the proclamation, Haidermota thanked the Board and said that after working at RCMA for 49 years, she has seen significant growth that has benefitted and improved the lives of tens of thousands of children.
"We are immensely grateful for the start up for RCMA, followed by [the Board's] steadfast support for 60 years," she said. "[Courtesy of] the results of all the cumulative efforts and the strong backing of Hillsborough County, every penny spent is seen in our children who are now productive members of the Tampa Bay community."
The Board also presented the 2025 Anti-Bullying Recognition Awards to Angelina Sack, Alfredo Castenada Martell, and Le-Andra Griffin.
Interested in all the details about the latest BOCC meeting? Here is a full recap.
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