This week, 78 middle and high school students from 28 Bradenton-Sarasota schools will graduate from The Power of YOU, a partnership between the 26 West Entrepreneurship Center and CareerSource Suncoast. The four-part job skills training and summer internship program is designed to prepare the future generation of our workforce in the Bradenton-Sarasota area.

The program began on May 30, 2023 with an interactive workshop taught by instructor coaches at the 26 West Center covering the following: How to create your elevator pitch, how to create an effective resume, interviewing skills and business etiquette and what is a personal brand? The students learned in three cohorts taught by:Kim Richmond, Director, 26 West Entrepreneurship Center, and instructor coaches, Danielle Roberts and Dr. Meredith Butulis.

Eighteen local employers participated in the program's career fair on June 1st at which students were interviewed and hired for their six-week internship. Throughout the internship, participants completed a reflective assignment every week via the SCF online learning management system. (This means that the students were able to experience a taste of college in every way.) The students received feedback from their 26 West Instructor Coach to ensure that they knew they weren’t alone on their career journey and to reflect on their experiences.

Dermontral Hugine, a 15 year-old student at Lincoln Memorial Middle School, chose to do his internship at The Railroad Museum as a custodian. "I must say it wasn't what I expected at all on the first day," he said. "It's far out in the middle of nowhere, so that alone made me a little nervous, but my supervisor greeted me and made sure to let me know I was in good hands.” Hugine added that he learned a lot and was proud of himself for accomplishing something this big in his life.

"Nothing is more important than developing our future workforce here in the Bradenton-Sarasota area. This unique experiential learning program gives our local middle and high school students a head start on their careers and helps local companies and organizations identify and grow future talent," said SCF Executive Vice President and Provost Todd G. Fritch.

"Our partnership with the 26 West Center at State College of Florida perfectly complements the CareerSource Suncoast Summer Youth Employment Program. We can offer youth that may not otherwise have access to these skills and experiences an opportunity to learn job skills in the classroom and the workplace," adds Joshua S. Matlock, Chief Executive Officer, CareerSource Suncoast.

The Power of YOU graduation ceremony will take place on Thursday July 27, 2023 at the 26 West Center and will feature two graduate speakers. Joshawna Grooms, 14, who attends Southeast High School, and Micah Hill, 18, a student at Booker High School, who will speak about their experiences in the program. 

Pictured: Meredith Butulis, 26 West Center Instructor Coach, introduces the concept of a personal elevator pitch to students at The Power of YOU Workshop on May 30, 2023 at the 26 West Center. Photo courtesy of SCF.

JFCS of the Suncoast REACH (Restoring Empowerment and Choosing Hope) and Ignite Fatherhood program is hosting their Game of Life Summer Event on July 29th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota. This unique event is a fun and engaging way for families to spend time together while learning important life skills, including: what it takes to build a stable foundation for relationships, family, and even work; how to identify different emotions and see how others might interpret them differently based on their previous experiences; how to effectively communicate to reach a common goal and more.

The event will feature exciting activities, delicious fare from gourmet and popular food trucks, and sought-after prizes including a 2 night stay at the Residence Inn/Spring Hill Suites in Clearwater (value $380, tickets to the Kennedy Space Center (value $390), 4 $100 gift cards to Jumpin Fun Inflata Park, tickets to ZooTampa, and more.

"This is our second summer event, which is bigger and better than our first held around the same time last year," says Megan Sicks, Evaluation & Performance Coordinator for the REACH Program. "As federally funded programs that help the community strengthen their communication and relationship skills, we wanted to thank our previous clients while inviting new clients to see what our programs are all about by having fun activities exploring the concepts and tools we use in our workshops."

JFCS has been supporting families throughout Sarasota and Manatee since 1987. Their Ignite Fatherhood program reinforces the importance of fathers and father figures. It achieves this through a 12-week curriculum built around discussions, incentives, surveys, and providing individualized support. The program assists adults in developing competencies they need to hone healthy relationship skills and strengthen economic self-sufficiency. Support is provided through a 10-week curricula and specialized case management. Both programs, Ignite and REACH, create friendly environments where individuals learn how to deepen their relationships, empower their families, acquire financial stability, and connect with other peers. Participants also gain useful abilities, insights, and tools for life by exchanging experiences and knowledge.

Their Game of Life event is not only about having a good time but also about promoting healthier life skills within their families and community. Come learn and practice effective communication while having a blast with your family and friends! Don't miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories and acquire useful skills for all aspects of your life. This event is open to the public and free to attend. Families are encouraged to bring their children. Free tickets (required) are available at jfcs-cares.org. Feel free to follow JFCS on Facebook and Instagram @JFCSFamilies, for future events and programming!

For free tickets please visit

The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is proud to announce its commitment to carry out their mission by partnering up with The Bradenton Marauders for a fundraiser to gather donations for a food drive. We invite you to join us on August 4, 2023, to watch the Bradenton Marauders take on the Tampa Tarpons at Lecom Park. This will be an exciting event and an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. Fans attending the game are encouraged to contribute by bringing non-perishable food items or making cash donations to support the cause. Your support and donations will make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with food insecurity. The program also collaborates with organizations that serve children in low-income families, survivors of domestic violence, and the elderly. Purchase your tickets for the game online at this special link https://fevogm.com/Mayorsfeedthehungry and the Marauders will donate a portion of your purchase to the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program. The VIP box is being sponsored by Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory. Enjoy first class treatment with a commanding view of the game from the VIP box and all the food you can eat. VIP tickets are only $25 and 100% of all VIP ticket sales get donated to the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program. To purchase VIP tickets contact: info@mayorsfeedthehungry.org or call 941-350-6075. The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program and the Bradenton Marauders sincerely appreciate the generosity and support of the community at large in making this food drive a success. Let’s come together for a little fun and hit a home run against hunger! Hit a Double ! You can donate year-round online at https://flanzertrust.org and choose the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program as your charity of choice. Your donation will be matched, doubling your impact! The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to feeding families throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties since 1987. To learn more about our mission and work, visit MayorsFeedTheHungry.org. 

Operation Warrior Resolution (OWR) is thrilled to announce an upcoming Volunteer Orientation Event, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to give back and support those who have bravely served our nation. The event aims to introduce volunteers to OWR's mission and prepare them to best serve our local veteran community. The Volunteer Orientation Event is scheduled for August 26th, 2023. Participants will gain valuable insights into the organization's initiatives and objectives. From understanding military culture to learning about the various ways to contribute, attendees will receive comprehensive guidance on making a meaningful impact in the lives of veterans and their families. OWR has provided holistic healing services to veterans since 2018, promoting mental and physical well-being. The Volunteer Orientation Event marks a significant step in the organization's expansion, opening doors to numerous volunteer opportunities. To participate in the Volunteer Orientation Event, interested individuals are encouraged to sign up via the link provided at www.operationwarriorresolution.org. Space is limited, and early registration is highly recommended. 

How do disadvantaged youth and low-income families compete without a computer or laptop in today’s world? According to Mark Sharff, a Guardian ad Litem volunteer in Manatee County and a member of the Sarasota Technology Users (STUG), it means that most are left behind, unable to easily access educational and career training opportunities. Sharff explains that’s why, in 2004, The Children’s Guardian Fund teamed up with the Sarasota Technology Users to collect and refurbish used computers and laptops. Since the launch of the STUG Refurb Project, 20,689 renovated digital devices have been donated to residents of Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. The recipients include disadvantaged school children, low-income adults and seniors, individuals in recovery programs, veterans and others trying to emerge from homelessness. In 2013, the program was expanded to provide computers directly to students in the Sarasota County school system. The group partners with more than 25 regional nonprofits to assist in distribution, including The Children’s Guardian Fund, Goodwill, Women’s Resource Center, Career Source, SPARCC, Take Stock in Children, Janie Poe, Literacy Center, and dozens of other area charities. 

Pictured: Bill Crowe and Mike Hutchinson with the Sarasota Technology Users Group. Photo courtesy of STUG.

The Bishop Parker Foundation recently authorized a $400,000 grant to Second Heart Homes, which provides housing, support services and love to homeless adults with mental-health challenges. The grant--the largest single gift to Second Heart Homes since its founding in 2019--will be used to purchase a third home dedicated to taking homelessness people off the streets of Manatee County. An additional home will complement the organization’s six properties in Sarasota: All told, more than 50 homeless people will be off the streets. Human services and health are among the Bishop Parker Foundation’s focus areas. Indeed, during their years in Bradenton decades ago, Edward and Lillian Bishop, and Mary Parker, supported many institutions – and often individuals – responding to direct human needs, especially those dealing with hunger and homelessness. Second Heart Homes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves residents and communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Second Heart Homes utilizes a unique, individually tailored approach to providing residents community-based services that promote long-term housing, stability and independence. Residents commit to addressing their mental health, remaining sober, achieving self-improvement goals and maintaining the interiors and exteriors of their homes. The housing and services are provided without government funding. What’s more, Second Heart Homes owns its houses with little or no debt. For more information: BishopParkerFoundation.org and SecondHeartHomes.org. 

Pictured: Adell Erozer, Executive Director of Bishop Parker Foundation and Megan Howell, Executive Director and Founder of Second Heart Homes.

Do you know a board member, volunteer, philanthropist, staff member, or a corporate organization with a giving heart that has meaningfully impacted our community in the past year? Nominate them today! Nominations close Friday, October 6th, 2023 at midnight. 

Nominate Here!

SUPPORTING THE GREATEST SHOW | Everyone loves a circus and everyone who lives in Sarasota loves The Circus Arts Conservatory-especially those key players who were involved from the very early days, July/August 2023. 

Read Here!