Dear friends,
How we balance our our time and attention is a constant negotiation. For those who work, volunteer, and give to nonprofits, the daily demands are balanced with the knowledge that we are doing our part - even if it's small - to make our world better. In times that seem to be constantly changing, it's a comfort I hold close.
This past month has provided more than just daily demands. Our community was called to action with the largest storm in recent memory, and we are now seeing a deluge of neighbors and families reach out for assistance. We are dedicated and passionate as we meet those needs head-on.
Even as we ramp up our work to address the needs, we're entering into the holiday season and our Annual Appeal. Just a few weeks ago we celebrated Halloween with 80 Campus of Caring staff - INSIDE for the first time since 2019. It was a moment of deep joy; significant in the evolution of the pandemic crisis.
While the world continues its pendulum swing of crises and celebration, we are here to keep a steady balance for the nonprofits and the community we serve. If you find value in supporting the network's resilience, please consider contributing in a way that is meaningful to you. We are here for each other.
On to the news!
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Charlene Altenhain, Executive Director
(941) 867-4387 | caltenhain@gs-humanservices.org
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Our mission is To CONNECT, SUPPORT, and SUSTAIN a network of human service nonprofits for a stronger community. |
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In October, 80 Campus of Caring staff convened for a campus-wide Halloween lunch. Aside from goblin up plates, staff enjoyed activities like a pumpkin hunt, riddles, and a candy corn guessing game!
Read about the event and see more fun pics here. |
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Coming up...
GlasserPassports: First Step of Sarasota
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Tuesday, 11/8, we will be holding GlasserPassports: First Step of Sarasota. This large organization occupies four suites in three different buildings on the Campus of Caring. We look forward to speaking with Prevention Specialist, Stefania Warren.
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Community Alliance Legislative Summit |
On October 24th, the Community Alliance held its Legislative Summit, where attendees broke into nine groups focusing on nine different social service categories. The goal was to agree as a group on which priorities it would pass on to our local, regional, and state legislators.
The summit is followed by the upcoming Legislative Presentation Event will take place at the Academy at Glengary on 11/16/2022 at 3:30pm where sector leaders will be presenting the legislative priority issues to our elected officials. Registration is free.
Membership with the Community Alliance is free and open to the public. If you would like to receive emails about the activities and meetings for the Alliance, email sshocklee@gs-humanservices.org. |
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After the Storm, Needs Surge |
It is often after the acute moments of a crisis that the needs of our community begin to come into focus. Since Hurricane Ian tore through this region, we have seen a surge in the emergency needs from individuals and families. Our team has been working nonstop to address and process the requests for Season of Sharing.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been stewarding this specialized fund for more than 20 years, ensuring that while crises may ebb and flow, this fund remains a constant resource for stability.
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Each year, we survey our tenant partner agencies to learn about the collective impact of their work, and to hear about how we can do more to sustain them.
We asked our partners this year how their savings in rent impacted their ability to provide their services. After all, the Center's goal is to save agencies program dollars so that they may do more good.
One agency responded that their annual in-kind donation of $42,000, "allows us to have an additional staff member who can assist with housing initiatives in the community. Without these funds, we would not be able to offer the community the resource of housing location and flexible housing dollars for securing housing."
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