Parc Center for Disabilities recently received a $25,000 donation from Duke Energy Florida for its Nationally Recognized Caregiver Relief Services. Jeff Baker, Government and Community Relations Manager of Duke Energy Florida, stopped by Parc to present Caregiver Relief with the check. The donation funds the continuation of vital relief services after the department’s current funding source ended last year. This will allow the department to continue providing respite services to enrolled families who cannot afford them.

“The work that Caregiver Relief is doing truly changes lives, and at Duke Energy, one of the things that motivates us is to know that the programs we are investing in are making a difference in the community,” Baker stated during the check presentation. Established in 2010, Caregiver Relief is a pillar for families in need of assistance. The department, led by Whitney Stout and Kelly Barrie, is designed to offer short-term breaks to relieve stress for families raising a child with a diagnosed disability, developmental delay, or documented trauma. It currently serves 60 families across Pinellas County and allocates 15 to 35 hours of service per month to each family. In June, ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center named Caregiver Relief an Innovative and Exemplary Respite Service, an award only five programs across the country received. Whitney had the opportunity of speaking at an ARCH conference in September, where she was also presented with this award.

Caregiver Relief Services supports families with children with special needs, providing supports and resources to prevent child abuse and neglect, reduce caregiver stress and burnout, and keep the family unit intact to reduce out of home, foster care placements. Over the last 13 years, Parc’s Caregiver Relief Services has provided Kai, a 16-year old boy with cerebral palsy, seizure disorder and several cognitive delays, and his family opportunities to work, share quality time, preserve positive mental health, and nurture and maintain their family unit.

Kai first came to Parc Center in 2010 when his mother sought assistance from Caregiver Relief Services.  Because of his disabilities, Kai has limited mobility and must use a wheelchair when he leaves the house. Kai's mother, a single parent, found it increasingly difficult to get him out of the house as he grew older. Not only do they lack a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, but Kai, like any other teenager, has a low tolerance for frustration and struggles even in a small grocery store. Caregiver Relief Services was able to respond quickly and provide Kai and his mother with the assistance they needed. Kai and his Caregiver Relief Provider, Tyyne, now go on many adventures while his mother gets to go out and take a vital break away from her daily caregiving responsibilities.

“I'm very grateful for Caregiver Relief," says Kai's mother, Kristie Jo Redfering. "As a single parent raising a child with a disability, you can feel very isolated, but knowing that I have the support of an experienced and caring service like Caregiver Relief makes a huge difference in our lives.” 

Pictured: Kai and Caregiver Relief Provider, Tyyne. Photo courtesy of Parc Center for Disabilities.

he Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) has been awarded a grant for $10,000 through the Manatee Community Foundation to help financially support their Spot On Program. The Spot On Program seeks to reduce communication, self-regulation, and functional life skill deficits that may interfere with student progression in the early learning environment. This grant is made possible through the Weichel Family Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation. Many times, young children in preschool classrooms with limited social or academic communication abilities struggle to meet school expectations. These children may have access to therapy, but the carry-over between the therapeutic setting and home or school life is often unavailable. Spot On seeks to create teams of therapists, teachers, and families to support the child in all environments. Spot On funds 30 minutes of professional development and collaboration per child per week. This same practice is also applied toward addressing skill concerns with self-regulation and functional life skills. These skills can be critical in the early learning setting to help children become more independent and make the social and academic gains necessary for kindergarten preparedness. The kindergarten readiness rates in Manatee County represent a call to professional action, and we feel Spot On answers this cry. When bringing therapeutic practices into the classroom, the barriers children who struggle to communicate or self-regulate face are often lowered as suddenly their teachers have access to strategies to support their unique needs. A child is a complex being with needs outside of the academic domain. Spot On feels that to reach academic standards, one must address the needs of the whole child. With access to weekly training and support, teachers can grow in skills beyond pedagogy and incorporate therapeutic practices into their entire day, allowing students to progress faster. Moreover, the learning environment is elevated when the learned strategies are applied to all children in the classroom. These modifications allow for more appropriate developmental functioning, which creates less frustration and more success for children. Finally, when children have access to adults with the skills to meet their needs, it is a win for all. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) recently provided a $20,000 grant to First Baptist Church of Venice through the Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative to continue and expand the Faith Community Nurse Program. When Hurricane Ian hit, the community nurse provided instrumental mental health support to people who were struggling after the storm. The program is helping people who have been impacted by the hurricane, as well as the many volunteers staying at the church who are participating in recovery efforts. The church hosted 140 volunteers from 13 states including Arizona and Montana and members of the Missouri Disaster Relief group. They served 100 plus meals, three times per day, to anyone in need. They also collaborated with The Salvation Army Sarasota to offer 150 showers a day and 80 loads of laundry a day. The community nurse also conducts outreach in the community, and provides healthcare, counseling support, and palliative care. Together, with Gulf Coast’s generous donors and resilient community partners, impactful assistance is being offered to Hurricane Ian victims. 

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UnidosNow’s board of directors has announced the promotion of associate executive director, Cintia Elenstar, to the position of executive director following the recent retirement of Luz Corcuera. Elenstar joined the organization in 2019 and has been groomed for this leadership role over the past three years as part of a board-led succession plan. Since joining UnidosNow, which specializes in supporting Latino students on their path to earning a postsecondary credential, Elenstar has helped the nonprofit innovate and advance its mission. At the onset of the pandemic, she adapted the organization’s flagship program, the Future Leadership Academy, to a fully online format, ensuring that students’ progress toward achieving their academic dreams could continue. Elenstar also spearheaded UnidosNow’s College Completion program, which supports more than 100 first-generation, low-income students each year . In addition, she formalized the organization’s mentoring program and implemented a donor management system. A former business owner from Argentina, Elenstar brings an entrepreneurial spirit and years of leadership to her new role. She started her travel company in Argentina as a one-woman operation and quickly grew it to a team of 25 employees. Through that experience, Elenstar gained insight into the importance of customer service, how to lead a team effectively, and the value of empowering others. After arriving in southwest Florida in 2012, Elenstar served as education administrator at a botanical garden, where she coordinated classes for community members and supported the volunteer management program. She also has experience teaching English as a second language to new citizens in underserved communities and working as a legal assistant supervisor in a public defender’s office. A firm believer in life-long learning, Elenstar holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, summa cum laude, in sustainability management from St. Petersburg College, as well as several certifications, including as a certified nonprofit professional. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit management and a graduate certificate in fundraising at the University of Central Florida. Elenstar also serves on the board of the Florida Policy Institute. UnidosNow offers educational and professional outreach initiatives to the Hispanic and Latinx communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties so that they can create cycles of opportunity for generations to come. The organization achieves this through education initiatives, leadership training, community services, and civic engagement. Visit UnidosNow.org for more information. 

The Palm Aire Women’s Club’s annual Fashion Show will be held Feb 3rd, 11am-2pm at Palm Aire Country Club. The club, founded in 1958 is a 501(C)(3) mission is to support both local higher education and local charities, primarily assisting women and children. This is their major fundraiser to support their scholarship & charities programs. The theme this year is I ❤️ Fashion featuring Women’s Spring 2023 Fashions by Dillard’s at UTC, music by the Presidential Jazz Band at State College of Florida and there will be silent auction items as well as raffle items. Tickets are $65.00 including 3-course luncheon and are guaranteed to sell out early. Get your ticket or reserve a table for you and your friends. For reservations, contact Carolann Garafola at carolanngarafola1@gmail.com or 908-9221973. Deadline is January 27th. 

Sisterhood For Good Inc. (SFG), an all-volunteer local public charity continues its growth with the addition of 27 new Members, and exciting new additions to its Advisory Board.
Board Chair, Amy Gorman today announced “The following women have joined the Advisory Board of Directors: Maria MacDonald as incoming Board Chair; Christina Sisti as Ethics & Accountability Chair; and Kathleen Osterberg as Volunteers Chair. Each one provides unique experiences to assist SFG in effectively executing our all-female group philanthropy mission”. Remaining on the Advisory Board are: Pamela G. Modisett, Treasurer; June Braithwaite Secretary; Angela Massaro-Fain and Laurel Corriveau, Communications Co-Chairs; Kathy Collums, Finance Chair; Peggy Kronus, Roxanne Sima and Becca Towery as Fundraising & Events Co-Chairs; Lorri Kidder, Grants Chair; Jill Maciag, Grants Vice-Chair; Graceann Frederico, Membership & Recruitment Chair; Tracy Wolfe, Member At Large Chair; Brenda Kleiber, Nominating Chair; as well Carrie Lewis, Governance Chair. Gorman also announced the upcoming February 17, 2023 “GATSBY – A 1920’s Speakeasy Soiree”. The fundraising gala will feature heavy passed hors d'œuvres, Champagne Wall, a Cigar Station, seated dinner, live and silent auction, and featured entertainment. Tickets are currently on sale on their website: www.SisterhoodForGood.org Additionally, Lorri Kidder, Grants Chair, announced SFG is now accepting applications for its 2023 Annual Grants Program until April 28th. Last year, the organization awarded $76,850 to 25 locally based non-profit organizations. The grants focus on specific projects and outreach programs. SFG’s members base their granting decisions on the overall impact these programs will have on area individuals. For guidelines and application information, visit SFG’s website. The Lakewood Ranch-based corporation whose sole purpose is to raise funds for the betterment of the community, has awarded more than $208,441 in grants to 111 qualified local non-profits since 2013, and
has positively assisted 18,446 individuals. For more information on Sisterhood For Good Inc., visit www.SisterhoodForGood.org or contact Angela Massaro-Fain at 941.730.7900. 

The Paradise Center, Longboat Key’s only year-round, non-profit community center offers its visitors and members fitness classes, seminars, social gatherings, workshops, outings and more. To keep their mission momentum going, they are hosting their 8th highly anticipated, fun fundraiser on February 12…Grab your poodle skirt, hippie beads, spandex pants – whatever attire got you through your very favorite decade – because The Paradise Center is turning back the hands of time with a Dancing Through the Decades party! Bop, twist or hustle your way to the dance floor for live music by Daniel Fugazzotto! Savor delicious appetizers from Harry’s Continental Kitchens and retro cocktails at the cash bar. There will also be a silent auction for some big-ticket prizes, as well as a Spin to Win raffle for the chance to win even more fabulous prizes donated by local businesses.  Dancing Through the Decades’ major sponsors are Empath Tidewell Foundation, Observer Media Group and Fitness Quest with supporting sponsorships from Bellagena Med Spa, Casa del Mar Beach Resort, Cindy Schatzle Realtor, Design 2000 Hair & Nail Salon, Euphemia Haye, Evelyn & Arthur, Florida Studio Theatre, Lazy Lobster, Longboat Key Tennis Center, Mary Lou Johnson Photography, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, OLLI at Ringling College, David and Laney Pitt, Sarasota Film Society and The Resort at Longboat Key Club. For sponsorship opportunities, contact donnasharpblaney@theparadisecenter.org. The Dancing Through the Decades event is open to all and will take place at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key on Sunday, February 12, 4-7pm. There are three ticket levels: The Bopper $80, The Twister $90 (includes 1 drink ticket) and The Hustler $100 (includes 2 drink tickets). Purchase tickets online at TheParadiseCenter.org (to avoid credit card service fees, pay in advance with a check or cash at The Paradise Center.) Advance ticket purchase by February 3 is requested. So, bring your dancing shoes and get down and boogie! The Paradise Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on Longboat Key by promoting accessible healthcare and providing year-round lifestyle enrichment programs. Its exercise classes and educational seminars are designed to keep seniors active both mentally and physically, and their Medical Suite is home to physicians providing a variety of medical services, such as primary care, dermatology and podiatry. For more information, visit TheParadiseCenter.org or call 941-383-6493. 

It’s a paw-ty at Hamlet’s Eatery! The award-winning permanently located food truck is staying open Friday for Hound Happy Hour. Chris Lincoln will be playing live music from 5-8pm. This Friday, Jan 20 dogs from Lowrider Dachshund Rescue will be joining and Friday, Jan 27 will be dogs from Satchel’s Last Resort. There will also be guest vendors for local shopping. Hamlet’s offers traditional and vegan options. They offer local craft beer, wine, and Prosecco on tap. Located outdoors with plenty of room under a covered patio. This is a great way to kick off your weekend. Dogs welcome.

Hamlet's Eatery. 821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota. For more information visit www.hamletseatery.com or call 941-445-1938. 

Pictured: This adorable pup from Lowrider Dachshund Rescue is looking for a home. Photo courtesy of Lowrider Dachshund Rescue.

FST is proud to announce that the theatre will be presenting its esteemed Spelman Award to Ed and Susan Maier at its annual fundraising event on Monday, February 6. Named in honor of FST’s founding Artistic Director, Jon Spelman, this award is presented to an institution or individual who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership by providing FST with counsel, financial backing, and/or in-kind support. Ed and Susan Maier will be presented with the 2023 Spelman Award at the theatre’s biggest fundraiser of the year, The 70s Shindig, on Monday, February 6. Attendees are invited to don their favorite ‘70s apparel for the event, which will feature exclusive live performances by some of FST’s beloved artists and a three-course plated dinner by Michael’s On East. Special thanks to Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the lead sponsor of The 70s Shindig. 

Impact100 SRQ is a local nonprofit 501(c)3, all-volunteer organization, founded in 2018 by three Sarasota-based women inspired by a growing international model of women’s collective giving. One by one, other women joined the journey, and together their mission empowers women to change the face of philanthropy in the local community. In 2023, Impact100 SRQ is celebrating its 5th giving year, having already funded 15 grants aggregating a total of $1,637,000 donated to local nonprofits since 2019. 

The Impact100 SRQ model is simple. Every year, at least 100 women come together, each make a $1,000 tax-deductible donation, and collectively they fund grants in increments of at least $100,000 to local nonprofits in five focus areas: Arts, Culture & History; Education; Environment & Recreation; Family; and Health & Wellness.  

The women of Impact100 SRQ combine their time, talent, and treasure, to make a greater impact in strengthening the community. Every year nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee Counties are invited to apply for an Impact100 SRQ grant. All Impact members are encouraged to volunteer their time on a committee to impartially review and extensively evaluate each initiative. These committees then determine finalists from each focus area to present to the full membership for a final vote to decide collectively which grants will be funded.

All members of Impact100 SRQ are encouraged to design their own experience. As an all-volunteer organization, there is an opportunity for members to get involved as much or as minimally as they desire. Most importantly and uniquely, all members have a voice in deciding which grants will be funded.

The passion that the women of Impact100 SRQ share for problem solving in our community is extraordinary. The more women who join the organization, the more grants Impact100 SRQ can fund. Joining is open to all women of all backgrounds, all ages, and all stages of life. 

Gail Lisi Vice President Membership GailL@Impact100SRQ.org www.Impact100SRQ.org

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Join us on March 7, 2023 at Michael's On East for a dynamic luncheon symposium centered on conversations focused on regional philanthropic topics. The luncheon will include a panel discussion to explore the ever-changing world of non-profits and honor outstanding individuals who have made a meaningful impact within the community.  

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