The Community Foundation of Sarasota County gives $21,553 in funding to support local human services organizations that hold an emphasis in the advancement of women, specifically disadvantaged women. The grant came from the Margaret L. Bates Fund, established by former professor and provost of New College of Florida, Dr. Margaret Bates. Each year the Community Foundation allocates a number of grants to support organizations working in this field through the endowed fund. Grantees are selected through a review process by a committee of Foundation staff and community members. One of the recipients, a supportive homelessness program dedicated to the mission to help the vulnerable feel safe again. The Harvest House placement services provide stable housing and the opportunity to renew hope for young adults who have been given an unlucky hand. Designed for 18 to 24 year olds who are experiencing homeless in Sarasota to seek shelter in a shared, comfortable and dorm-like setting, which was newly renovated in 2015.

Community Foundation’s recent funding will go towards Harvest House’s New Heights Program, which specifically serves disadvantaged young women—transitioning them off the streets and into a safe home of their own, while guiding them responsibly into adulthood. New Heights provides progressive stability services as well, helping these young adults reach new heights in important areas of life despite many of them experiencing abandonment, domestic abuse, substance abuse, toxic stress and discouragement to succeed. Key areas in which New Heights focus on are vocation, education, social, financial, health, leadership and dreams.

Harvest House has proved to be a pioneer in the transitional and permanent housing movement throughout the community, being one of the only organizations in Sarasota who purchase run-down apartments and recreate them into vibrant, affordable housing within a revitalized neighborhood. This model is becoming the standard for affordable housing throughout the country. You can learn about Harvest House and all their programs first-hand at their Open House today. A multi-campus tour and lunch with the Directors will be provided, 12:00-1:30pm.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is proud to partner with SRQ Media Group to highlight stories about community impact powered by philanthropy in our region, thanks to the support of donors and our local nonprofit partners. The Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org

The Harvest House