AMIkids also awarded Best Nonprofit of the Year in the Family Services category

AMIkids Inc., a nationally-recognized, nonprofit organization that helps young people with a troubled past discover their potential, was named the overall winner of the Tampa Bay Business Journal's 2015 Nonprofit of the Year awards. AMIkids also received a $10,000 donation from SunTrust as the overall award winner.

“The honor of winning this award is a testament to the dedication of our tireless staff and hundreds of board members throughout the country in providing the opportunity for kids to distance themselves from their troubled pasts and discover their full potential,” said Mark Criser, National Chair of the AMIkids Board of Trustees. “With the ever-increasing issues of crime, mistrust, and negativity facing our Nation, it is important for all of us to change the conversation from blame for the issues we face to discovering positive solutions.”

“With over 45 years of experience, AMIkids is a proven solution of changing the lives of kids here in the Bay Area and throughout the Country,” added Criser.

The ceremony was held Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa, Florida. The awards had over 250 nominees and 60 finalists for eight categories, covering Arts, Culture & Humanities, Crisis Resources, Education, Environment and Animals, Family Services, Health and Human Services, Health and Human Services over $10m, and Public and Societal Benefit.

AMIkids also was awarded the 2015 Nonprofit of the Year award in the Family Services category.

AMIkids, Inc., headquartered in Tampa, FL, has five programs in the Bay Area and over 40 nationwide, offering a wide variety of services to kids and their families. Since being founded in 1969, AMIkids has helped over 125,000 kids and their families separate a troubled past from a bright future and develops kids into responsible members of their communities, breaking the cycle of crime and poverty.