Activations | News
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 27, 2025
Media Contact:
Cate Manley, Executive Director
Community Activations Network
cmanley@metisholdings.net
Office: 561-593-2266 | Mobile: 816-591-8066
H4C, ATA College, and Community Activations Network Launch Nursing Persistence Fund to Support Student Retention
Giving Tuesday Challenge to Raise $10,000 Toward Spring Hill Student Success
SPRING HILL, Fla. (October 27, 2025) — The Hernando County Continuity of Care Council (H4C), in collaboration with ATA College – Spring Hill and Community Activations Network (CAN), today announced the official launch of the Nursing Persistence Fund — a new initiative to help nursing students remain enrolled and graduate by providing targeted support during personal and financial emergencies.
The program is seeded by proceeds from H4C’s 2nd Annual Senior Prom, held on October 22, 2025. This unique community event celebrates Hernando County’s older adults while investing in the healthcare professionals of tomorrow.
“This is a milestone moment for our council and our community,” said Christina Blum, President of H4C.
“The Nursing Persistence Program represents our commitment to celebrating our seniors while supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals who will care for them and countless others.”
Community Collaboration for Long-Term Workforce Impact
The fund was developed jointly by H4C and ATA College and is being administered by Community Activations Network (CAN), a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports over 20 college campuses nationwide with scholarships, emergency funds, equipment donations, and workforce development initiatives to improve economies, especially in rural areas.
The Nursing Persistence Fund provides micro-grants to enrolled nursing students at ATA College – Spring Hill, who are facing real-life barriers such as:
Transportation or fuel shortages
Housing or food insecurity
Childcare challenges
Health or family-related emergencies
Each partner plays a critical role:
H4C leads fundraising and community engagement
ATA College identifies students and facilitates aid
CAN serves as the fiscal agent, managing donations, program tracking, and donor compliance
The goal is to establish a sustainable, replenishable fund that directly improves healthcare workforce retention in Hernando County and surrounding area.
Giving Tuesday Community Persistence Challenge
To amplify support, CAN has launched the Giving Tuesday Community Persistence Challenge, aiming to raise $10,000 by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
All proceeds will benefit the Nursing and Allied Health Persistence Programs at ATA College – Spring Hill, helping students who are close to graduating stay in school and succeed.
Donate Now: www.communityactivations.org/giving-page-4-2-1
No gift is too small. Just $25 can help a student cover gas to get to clinicals. A $100 donation could fund groceries for a week, helping a future nurse focus on their studies instead of their next meal.
Event Recap
Event: 2nd Annual Senior Prom
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Free | Donations Encouraged
Beneficiary: ATA College -Spring Hill, FL - Nursing Persistence Fund
The event was designed to honor the county’s older adults while building the future of compassionate caregiving in Hernando County.
About the Partners
Community Activations Network (CAN)
Community Activations Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to unlocking economic opportunity through scholarships, student persistence programs, and workforce partnerships. CAN supports more than 20 college campuses with emergency funds, volunteer mobilization, and equipment donation pipelines.
EIN: 33-3155818
Website:www.communityactivations.org
Hernando County Continuity of Care Council (H4C)
H4C is a community coalition committed to enhancing the quality of care and quality of life for seniors, caregivers, and healthcare providers throughout Hernando County. Christina Blum christineblum@naturecoasthomecare.com, 352-403-6505
ATA College – Spring Hill, FL
H4C and ATA College work together to award Nursing Persistence Program funds to students in need, beginning with proceeds raised from this year’s Senior Prom. The goal is to create a sustainable, annual program that continues to improve nursing student retention and healthcare career placement rates across Hernando County. H4C and ATA challenge other businesses, and people with a heart for caregivers to meet the challenge to support this program. ATA College – Spring Hill, recently named 2025 Small Business of the Year by the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, is proud to partner in this meaningful effort to support future nurses and strengthen local healthcare.
Contacts: ATA College provides career-focused education in healthcare and skilled trades, including Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Healthcare Management, and the upcoming Electrical Technology program.
Website:www.ata.edu 7351 Spring Hill Dr. Ste 11 Spring Hill, FL Don Webb, Campus Director 352-684-3007 ext. 2122 dwebb@ata.edu
Media Contact
Cate Manley
Executive Director
Community Activations Network
cmanley@metisholdings.net
Mobile: 816-591-8066