Local attorney Stacey Maloney is on a mission to support young adults who have experienced the foster care system through her non-profit, Liquid Castles Inc. A 501(c)(3) organization, Liquid Castles is dedicated to empowering these young individuals and providing them with resources to thrive as they transition into adulthood.

Maloney’s inspiration for starting the organization comes from her own mother’s difficult childhood. After being placed in foster care as an infant along with a sibling, Maloney’s mother endured years of separation before being reunited with her family. At age 13, following the death of her birth mother, she found herself placed in an orphanage. Despite these hardships, Maloney’s mother and her siblings rose to be kind adults who lead successful lives. Her mother, for example, went on to have a career in the fashion industry.

Two years ago, Maloney decided to take action and give young people facing similar circumstances the opportunity to build a brighter future. Liquid Castles aims to provide foster teens and young adults with critical support, including financial assistance for their first car purchase or transportation costs for employment, as well as financial aid for first-time home purchases. In addition, the organization celebrates the 13th birthday of foster youth with a $100 gift certificate and surprise gifts, in honor of the same age Maloney’s mother was when she entered the orphanage.

Maloney has ambitious plans for the future of Liquid Castles. While her efforts currently focus on the 12th Judicial Circuit of Sarasota, she hopes the organization will expand and attract broader support, including high-profile figures like actress Rosie Perez, who coincidentally shared the same orphanage as Maloney’s mother.

“I want these kids to understand that life is beautiful,” says Maloney. “You may not have had a choice in the family you were born into, but don’t let your past define you. Everyone faces challenges—it’s how you choose to respond to them that shapes your future.” 

Pictured: With Liquid Castles, Inc., Stacey Maloney shares hope with local foster kids. Photo courtesy of Stacey Maloney.

Just two days before Christmas, 10 area veterans and their families were provided with significant support and gifts, thanks to the collaboration of Goodwill Manasota and the Gail Baird Foundation. The Gail Baird Foundation has provided funding to expand Goodwill's "Turkeys for Troops Giveaway" the past couple of years; this year, the foundation provided a purposeful overflow of funds - totaling nearly $30,000 - to also provide meaningful, significant gifts for veterans at Christmas time. Some of the gifts included a new(er) car, AC repairs, an electric bike, dental work, grocery gift cards, and more. 

Pictured: Present at the holiday gift award event were (from l-r) Eudardo Anaya, Ronda and Shawn McMillan, Todd Hughes, Lindsay Mouhot, McKenzie Baird, Eric Baird, Tim Baldwin, and Morris Andrews Provided photo/Goodwill Manasota.

Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) Caregivers Forum returns on February 8, 2025, at Harvest House in Sarasota, FL (3650 17th Street Sarasota), from 8:15am. to 2pm. The expanded event will feature keynote speakers, tailored breakout sessions, a panel discussion with senior service experts, and informational booths to address caregivers' evolving needs. Topics will include dementia, caregiver health, legal planning, and more. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $100 for patron tickets (including a VIP reception with keynote speakers and sponsors).  To register for the event, visit https://cf25-sfc.eventbrite.com/ or www.friendshipcenters.org, under the Special Events tab. For more information or questions about the events or other programs, call (941) 955-2122 or  visit www.friendshipcenters.org  

How can a foster kid compete without connectivity? A kid needs a laptop, tablet or phone to apply even with Subway or Walmart. We provide used laptops fully refurbished, and fully loaded with Microsoft Office Suite,under our free license from Microsoft. EVERY donated laptop or tablet is fully WIPED of ALL information ( no exceptions ) using tested software from the U.S. Department of Defense. We have provided 22,952 laptops to area foster kids, rape victims, and others who are trying to establish their lives. Children's Guardian  Fund, and Sarasota Technology Users Group have coordinated this effort for many years.  Donors such as law firms, CPA practices, Sarasota County Government, physicians practices and thousands of individuals have arranged for a pickup at their front porch, or have dropped units at our shop, 3949 Sawyer Road, Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 9 'til noon.  Free pickup if you email, msharff@gmail.com, or call 941.374.1107 and ask for Mark. 

The Sarasota Players invites patrons, donors, friends, and the community to join them for a milestone celebration as they commemorate 95 years of providing exceptional community theatre in Sarasota. Their 95th Anniversary Soiree, Behind the Curtain: 95 Years of Community Theatre, will take place at The Sarasota Garden Club and Botanical Gardens on February 1 from 6 to 10 pm. The Sarasota Players touches the lives of so many locals, visitors, and students in the area, and has for decades. If this organization has made a lasting impact on your life, or you are new to the area and want to get involved with local arts, you’re invited to join them. "We are excited to host this casually elegant event for our local community, incorporating fun elements that highlight Sarasota. Our guests can look forward to a silent auction featuring unique Sarasota experiences and local tastings. We love this community and want to spotlight truly Sarasota businesses and locations. Additionally, we will present a rendering of the future theater at Payne Park," said Amy Gorman, Director of Development.    

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The Mental Health and Wellness Center at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital has been named a 2024 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience for inpatient behavioral health treatment. “We have a compassionate and empathetic approach in our treatment of every patient. We focus on creating a nurturing, calm and positive environment to help people on their journey to healing and better mental health. It’s rewarding to know our patients recognize us for this,” said Vladimir Einisman, M.D. medical director of the Mental Health and Wellness Center at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. 

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