Healthsquare is the product of a Sarasota-based intiative to reach out to members of the community through social networking and the organization of public events in order to disseminate important principles of wellness and preventative health care. The first service of its kind in the country, HealthSquare invites individuals to ask health-related questions on their own terms in a comfortable and welcoming public space.
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is an independent, not-for-profit organization headquartered on Landings Boulevard in Sarasota. The Foundation works in partnership with individuals, families, community organizations and the Sarasota County public school system awarding over a million dollars yearly to educational initiatives like the Texcellence Computer Donation program, Literacy for Life, Teacher of the Year, Academic Olympics, Science Fair, classroom grants, fine arts programs, student awards and scholarships. Visit the Education Foundation of Sarasota County Web site for volunteer, event and donation information.
Located in the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center building on the south side of 17th Street, the Literacy Council of Sarasota is a not-for-profit educational organization. It strives to build a more literate community through teaching adults English-language communication skills with "personalized, need-based tutoring." It also funds guest speakers at various venues in the community, like Dr. Derek Bok, former president of Harvard University. His speech, at Michael's on East, focused on community involvement. Get involved by going to the Literacy Council's website for newsletters, videos and a calendar of events.
Goodwill Industries is a national chain of thrift stores that uses profits to better communities. This location offers job placement and housing assistance services to Sarasota residents in need.
Girls Incorporated of Sarasota is the local affiliate of the national non-profit organization Girls Inc. It provides area residents with an array of educational services specifically targeted towards young girls. Established in 1973, Girls Inc. offers after-school and summertime educational programs which focus on literacy, math, science, career and life planning, health, leadership and community action.
First Step of Sarasota is a low-cost substance abuse treatment center serving the community of Sarasota and surrounding areas. It specializes in detoxification, residential support, outpatient therapy and court-ordered treatment services.
Goodwill Manasota North Trail receives donations from the public to assist individuals with physical handicaps and economic challenges. This location resells donated items to provide job training and interim employment services. The company also builds and develops affordable homes.
Habitat for Humanity has an office in Sarasota dedicated to building homes in the surrounding areas. Habitat offers a variety of ways in which to help the building of these homes, both indirectly and directly as building volunteers.
Founded by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council, the Community Foundation assists philanthropic interests in distributing assets through grants and scholarships that support and promote local causes.
Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee offers a wide variety of educational, cultural and spiritual services to the community and is dedicated to improving the lives of Jewish people both locally and around the world and providing education and awareness to the non-Jewish population. Various programs and activities are available for members of all ages and events are regularly held for the community.
Founded as Happiness House in 1946, Easter Seals Southwest Florida is located on Braden Avenue in Sarasota. The group is dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities and their families, offering therapy, respite, employment programs, adult day training, art initiative programs and a VIP high school program. For further inquiry, visit the Web site.
The 4-H/Youth Program provides educational experiences through a "learn by doing" approach. The programs encourage young people to grow crops and various plants, create things with their hands and take care of animals. All activites help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and lay the foundation for becoming a responsible adult and citizen. The 4-H program is organized by University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Science Sarasota County Extension. This location houses the staff members that work with 4-H.
Parkinson Place is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with Parkinson's disease in the Sarasota area and surrounding communities. It offers a variety of programs and resources to support both patients and caregivers alike through every stage of the disease. Membership is free and access is available to CDs, books and brochures during open hours. Programs include yoga and meditation, voice aerobics, information sessions and more. A full calendar is available on the website.
This location of Coastal Behavioral Healthcare houses the 24-hour crisis stabilization unit. The center provides intervention services, mental health assistance and substance abuse case management services for children and adults. Coastal Behavioral Healthcare is a nonprofit organization servicing individuals in Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto and Lee counties.