Dear Friends,

I hope this newsletter finds you, and all those you hold dear, safe and secure. Hurricane Ian's devastation on our southern neighbors has been heartbreaking to see. And yet, I have been equally uplifted and encouraged seeing our community pull together to aid those who need it most.

We have all been on a journey since Hurricane Ian emerged in the Atlantic Ocean less than two weeks ago. For many, this journey will continue, possibly for years. We know from disasters in our recent history - Hurricane Irma and COVID-19 - that the fallout from a crisis can have devastating and lasting effects on our families, sometimes in unpredictable ways.
News media, governmental organizations, nonprofits, and utilities have risen to the occasion to communicate resources that might be useful. If you or someone you know has not been able to access the help they need, 211 is a free service that can connect you to information and resources in the community.

If you find yourself in the fortunate position of being able to help, you can make a difference for the 16 human service agencies on the Campus of Caring. We have gathered a list of needs and hurricane relief efforts for them below.

And below that, we've shared our five-day Hurricane Ian journey with you. I couldn't be more proud of the Glasser/Schoenbaum team, or more grateful for the partners on the Campus of Caring and beyond.

Thank you for all you do in this community.
Charlene Altenhain
Executive Director
(941) 867-4387
In times of a presidentially declared event like Hurricane Ian, eligible disaster survivors can receive disaster assistance from various programs. But to do this survivors must first register for assistance with FEMA.

This instructional video explains the process to get you started.

No matter the situation, the specialists at 211 listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources and services in their community.

211 is free, confidential, and is available by phone, text, online search or chat 24/7/365, providing expert help, meeting real needs in real time.

Find out more here. You can also text your zip code to 898-211, or simply dial 211 from your phone.
Many resources are listed on county sites dedicated to the hurricane response. We have compiled those sites for five area counties acutely affected by Hurricane Ian:
CenterPlace Health is in need of:
  • IT enhancements / generators for clinics to ensure back-up internet to function in an emergency
  • Gas and grocery cards for employees
  • Behavioral health services for community and staff

To help, contact:
CenterPlace Health Administration
Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County is accepting donations of diapers, formula, lightly used baby items (no toys please), and used children's clothing.

To help, contact:
Shon Ewens | Executive Director | Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County
Parenting Matters families are in need of gas cards, Walmart cards for clothing, prepared food, and other basic necessities.

To help, contact:
Katie Becker | Executive Director | Parenting Matters
St. Vincent de Paul CARES clients are in need of gas cards.

To help, contact:
Shellie Legarsky | Regional Director | St. Vincent de Paul CARES
shellie@svdpsp.org | (727) 404-6994
MONDAY 9/26
With predictions that the storm would arrive on Wednesday, the Glasser/Schoenbaum team convened to discuss preparations for the campus grounds, Center operations, and fiscal agent services.
TUESDAY 9/27
The team got to work. Shades came down, benches were stowed; from the elevator, to the garden gnome, to the golf cart, all physical items were secured. Emergency plans were communicated with the campus and with all fiscal agent community partners.
WEDNESDAY 9/28
We hunkered down as team and as a community. Charlene Altenhain, Executive Director, celebrated a birthday.
THURSDAY 9/29
While staff and their families checked in with each other, staff leaders went to the campus to assess the damage.
FRIDAY 9/30
The team, volunteers, and Literacy Council staff came together to begin cleaning the campus so that agencies could get back to work as soon as they were ready.
Birds Eye View
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
John Boll, Board Treasurer, dedicated his chainsaw and his time to get the job done!
Literacy Council staff Sandra Beltran and Susan Bergstrom showed up to help and got straight to work!
GS All-Star volunteer, Gary Blackden, was upbeat and diligent as he helped us clean up the campus!
Our mission is To CONNECT, SUPPORT, and SUSTAIN a network of human service nonprofits for a stronger community.