Dixie County, like many rural Florida shelters, has only outdoor boarding facilities for dogs. To give them safe shelter from the storm, the Humane Society of Sarasota County will welcome these animals into their care to ride out the storm. “Thankfully we just had a successful adoption weekend during NBCUniversal’s Clear The Shelter event, so we had the space available to say yes to this request,” said Jaime Limoges, marketing and engagement director for the Humane Society of Sarasota County(HSSC). Staff will ride out the storm at the shelter as well. Please follow their social media pages for updates throughout the week on any needs that may arise. 

Making An Impact (MAI) has proudly launched an innovative web app version of its Disaster Recovery Resource Guide, strategically timed to address the escalating risks faced by residents during the peak of hurricane season in Southwest Florida. Renowned for its Community Connections Resource Guide, a trusted reference tool for essential needs, the organization originally introduced its Disaster Recovery Guide in both print and flipbook formats last year in response to Hurricane Ian. Following a comprehensive update for the 2023 hurricane season in June, MAI has now unveiled the new web format, poised to assist the community in preparation for impending Hurricane Idalia. The MAI Disaster Recovery Resource Guide is a comprehensive resource encompassing 29 categories, housing over 100 listings of organizations and agencies offering services and programs frequently sought after major disasters. This vital resource is now accessible around the clock through a user-friendly searchable web app. Additionally, limited quantities of printed guides, QR code wallet cards, and informative signage are available to further support the community. “ Making An Impact is a locally driven, all-volunteer nonprofit with a mission to connect residents with essential services in their region. In response to Hurricane Ian last year, we swiftly leveraged our expertise to gather and disseminate crucial information required during times of crisis. Beyond aiding affected residents, our guides found utility within FEMA, as well as numerous local first responders and emergency management teams,” remarked Board Chair and Co-founder Victoria Kasdan. “It was only natural for us to update our Disaster Recovery Guide for the 2023 hurricane season and create more accessible avenues for people to find the assistance they need. Hurricanes throw communities into chaos, and the new web app version of our Disaster Recovery Guide is designed to provide the support required during such tumultuous times. Yet, since recovery can be an extended journey, our other Community Connections Resource Guide, which features over 300 organizations addressing both urgent and non-urgent needs, serves as an invaluable long-term resource. Florida’s vulnerability to hurricanes, coupled with the intensifying effects of climate change, means we anticipate growing demand for all our guides. Despite high guide demand and online utilization, securing financial support to sustain our mission remains challenging. We hope that as the community continues to find value for our guides, they will rally behind us to ensure our long-term viability,” she added. Making An Impact’s Disaster Recovery and Community Connections Resource Guides are available both in print and online, providing critical emergency and essential need information for Sarasota and Manatee counties. For immediate access to the new online MAI Disaster Resource Guide via a user-friendly web app. Please visit https://disasterrecovery.making-an-impact.org/ or explore the organization’s website at www.Making-An-Impact.org. 

Bank of America recently granted $5,000 to Easterseals Southwest Florida to help adults with disabilities, who are enrolled in Easterseals Employment Program, by providing reliable transportation services that provide them opportunities to enter the workforce.Easterseals Southwest Florida provides adult clients robust educational and social experiences including life skills, cooking, personal hygiene, vocational training, self-advocacy, and employment skills to help them in entering the workforce. The workplace preparatory program consists of four phases: exploring potential careers, learning life and job skills, interview preparation and job training. Each client in the employment program works with a career coach over four to eight months to prepare them for the workforce. Coaches also support clients for the first 90 days of their jobs to help ensure long-term success. After gaining employment, transportation challenges may arise, blocking clients from successfully keeping their jobs in the community. By partnering with Easterseals Southwest Florida, Bank of America is providing essential financial support to help adults with disabilities positively contribute to their local workforce. Easterseals Southwest Florida is just one of 12 Sarasota/Manatee nonprofits the bank is supporting in the first round of economic mobility grants awarded to local nonprofits throughout the year, helping the bank drive meaningful and sustainable progress to help tackle society’s biggest challenges. To learn more about Easterseals programs and services, including Easterseals Academy, Autism Services, Children Services, Adult Services, Employment Services, Therapy Services, Family Support Services, Hippotherapy and more, visit www.easterseals-swfl.org.  

The Child Protection Center, Inc (CPC) was selected by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch to receive funding in support of the Children and Families Supervised Visitation Program (CFSVP), one of CPC’s Child Abuse Intervention programs. CFSVP was established in 1995 and provides a safe place for children to interact with parents without the stress of being in the middle of a family argument, observing a parent who is impaired by substance abuse and without uncomfortable conversations that include adult topics. “The impact on children residing in families experiencing domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, child abuse and/or neglect, is highly traumatic,” explains Douglas Staley, CPC’s Executive Director. “It invades every aspect of their lives, impacting their physical and mental health and learning ability.” By accessing CFSVP, the risk of violence to children decreases. CFSVP applies a “two-generation” approach, addressing the needs of both the child and parents to interrupt the cycle of abuse. This approach offers security to the custodial parent transporting the child, ensures the child’s well-being, and provides contact with the non-custodial parent. Referrals for the program are accepted from the 12 th Judicial Circuit Court and community agencies. “CFSVP is the starting point for these children to move toward healing and to thrive mentally, physically and emotionally,” says Mr. Staley. Over 50 Sarasota County citizens serve as CFSVP volunteers. The Child Protection Center’s mission is the Prevention, Intervention, & Treatment of Child Abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 40 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. For more information on CPC or to inquire about volunteering with the Children and Families Supervised Visitation Program, visit www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. 

All Star Children's Foundation and DreamLarge are thrilled to announce "State of Mind: A Trauma Informed Experience," a half-day event curated to raise awareness among community leaders about the profound impact of trauma on individuals and society. This event serves as a catalyst for open and thought-provoking discussions on the importance of trauma-informed approaches. The conference will take place on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 1pm to 7pm at Florida Studio Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for $75 and can be purchased online at dreamlarge.co/som or StateofMind.org. Through the lenses of nationally-recognized speakers, State of Mind aims to shed light on the transformative power of trauma-informed care, fostering greater empathy and understanding in our community. This gathering serves as a platform to equip attendees with insights into how trauma affects communities and facilitate discussions on why adopting trauma-informed approaches is crucial. State of Mind is created by All Star Children’s Foundation and DreamLarge. With a deep commitment to evidence-based, trauma-informed practices, All Star Children’s Foundation aims to address the complex and diverse needs of these children while recognizing the intergenerational nature of trauma. DreamLarge, the first benefit corporation on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is dedicated to cultivating thoughtful and creative solutions for large community challenges. State of Mind will take place at Florida Studio Theater on September 21, 2023 from 1pm to 7pm and includes a reception. Tickets for the conference are on sale for $75. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit StateofMind.org.   

PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI) a national leader in the premium window, door, and garage door category, recently donated Eze-Breeze Horizontal Side Slider porch enclosure products to Forgotten Angels, a nonprofit organization. Team members from PGT Innovations' Tampa facility installed the products to enclose the organization's 960-square-foot common area currently utilized for group gatherings. Forgotten Angels is a nonprofit organization with a mission to operate as an extended family for children and young adults aging or aged out of the foster care system, at-risk teens, and recently released incarcerated youths. The organization offers a home to teach these children life skills, provide opportunities for education and skills training, foster financial independence, and provide care and guidance. The Forgotten Angels’ property, located at 3604 Little Stearns Road in Valrico, Fla., spans over a dozen acres, providing ample space for its youth to place their own tiny home, learn to care for animals and themselves, and cultivate an environment that encourages relaxation, recovery, and the formation of healthy relationships.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast recently received two $15,000 grants from Gulf Coast Community Foundation. These grants were made possible through Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Katherine Naismith Witten Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Both grants support Conservation Foundation’s land management and restoration programs on their protected lands with a specific focus on improving wildlife habitat and increasing climate resiliency. Through a variety of techniques, Conservation Foundation works to ensure the land they protect is well-managed for the benefit of people and nature. Most often this includes practices such as native tree planting, exotic plant removal, and prescribed fire. The planting of native trees and plants provides significant benefits to wildlife by increasing access to food and shelter. This year alone, Conservation Foundation planted thousands of trees along the Myakka River. Trees planted on the shores of rivers, lakes, and creeks shade the water, thereby decreasing water temperature, increasing oxygen, and improving fish habitat. Additionally, shoreline plantings help to improve water quality and stabilize shorelines by capturing sediment and reducing erosion. The re-introduction of fire to landscapes is also a critical practice on land where fire should naturally occur. In Florida, almost every natural community benefits from fire. When natural fires do not occur, old branches and leaves accumulate, becoming fuel for catastrophic, uncontrolled wildfires that place people and wildlife at risk. By routinely burning land through a practice called ‘prescribed fire,’ Conservation Foundation and other land management organizations help protect our community by decreasing wildfire risk. Conservation Foundation’s work also increases our community’s resiliency to the increasingly intense storms and floods caused by our changing climate. Land conservation in itself is a powerful tool and our best natural defense against flooding. Protecting floodplains, coastal marshes, prairies, and forests provides places for water to be naturally stored and absorbed, now and in the future. Benefits to the community increase when protected land is also responsibly managed and restored through practices such as Conservation Foundation’s tree-planting initiatives. 

The Sephardic Foundation on Aging (SFOA) generously awarded the Jewish Family and Children Services (JFCS) of the Suncoast a $25,000 grant for their Aging Services program. “Our roots in caring for the older Jewish community began over 70 years ago, when we opened our doors as The Sephardic Home for the Aged in Brooklyn, NY,” according to SFOA. The Aging Services program at JFCS offers a wide array of senior-based programs, from caregiver support groups and counseling to Alzheimer’s support and education. SFOA fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of aging so older people and their communities have the support and resources they need to flourish. According to the National Council on Aging, more than half of caregivers work full-time, and it is estimated that approximately 15 million days of work are lost each year due to caregiving. This grant will help offer a crucial service for Sarasota's elderly by providing support and resources to overburdened caregivers, as well as provide other welcome support to the aging in our community. Inspired by the Jewish tradition of helping all people, JFCS believes all people are to be treated with dignity and respect and have equal opportunity for physical and mental well-being, self-expression, and joy. The Sephardic Foundation on Aging emphasizes care and connection as hallmarks of the community they serve. Together both JFCS and SFOA will bring dignity and therapeutic assistance to support individuals and families living with dementia. Topics such as personal loss, family, relationships, wellness and isolation will be discussed in caregiver groups. JFCS is one of the Florida Suncoast’s leading mental health and human services agencies, and delivers programs and services on a non-denominational basis with the goal of empowering individuals toward well-being and self-reliance.