ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2025) — When big questions arise about emergencies, safety or even the people children see in uniforms, Meet the Helpers gives young viewers something powerful: understanding.
That idea was inspired by the words of Fred Rogers, who once shared the advice his mother gave him when the world felt frightening: "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
From that timeless public media wisdom, WUCF created Meet the Helpers, a series that turns uncertainty into confidence. Now, that mission is being recognized on one of television's biggest stages.
WUCF's original series Meet the Helpers has been nominated for a 2025 Suncoast Regional EMMY® from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in a children’s short-form content category.
It marks WUCF's 14th regional EMMY® nomination and celebrates the station's dedication to creating meaningful, educational content that helps children feel informed and empowered.
"Meet the Helpers helps children make sense of their world by showing them the people who care for and protect our communities," said Jennifer Cook, Executive Director of WUCF.
"It's about helping families talk through difficult topics and find reassurance in the idea that there are always helpers," she added. "That message began here in Central Florida, and we're honored to see it reaching children and parents across the country."
Helping Children Make Sense of Their World
Developed by WUCF in collaboration with early childhood education experts, Meet the Helpers introduces children to real community helpers through short, engaging videos and interactive learning materials.
The series began as a local initiative to explain emergency preparedness but has grown into a nationally shared educational resource, adopted by PBS stations and schools around the nation.
Through gentle storytelling and age-appropriate conversations, Meet the Helpers helps children build trust in helpers and learn how to respond when emergencies happen. Most importantly, it reassures them that even in uncertain moments, there are people who care and are ready to help.
A National Movement, Rooted in Central Florida
Since its debut in 2018, Meet the Helpers has expanded into classrooms, family events and community partnerships, reaching children from preschool through early elementary years.
WUCF continues to bring Meet the Helpers to life through interactive pop-up events, where kids meet real firefighters, police officers and other community helpers featured in the series.
"Every time a child meets a firefighter or a nurse and says, 'I saw you on Meet the Helpers!' — that's the impact," Cook said. "It's local public media at its best: using storytelling to build trust and understanding."
The 2025 Suncoast Regional EMMY® winners will be announced in December.
About Meet the Helpers: Created by WUCF, Meet the Helpers is a multiplatform educational initiative that helps children better understand the roles of community helpers and how to respond in emergencies. The series includes short videos, classroom resources and conversation guides designed to foster emotional resilience and family communication. Learn more at meetthehelpers.org.
About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region's trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida's only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission "We Change Lives," WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF's impact and programming, visit www.wucf.org.
Media Contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407.718.0199