F.I.S.H. OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva continues to fill the gaps for the islands’ residents and workforce.

It offers programs representing its four major pillars — Food, Island Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands. It includes the food pantry, educational workshops, scholarships, and senior programs for dignified aging-in-place, along with additional services such as providing emergency help with expenses and disaster relief to Long-Term Recovery for Hurricane Ian survivors.

“As we have for over 40 years, F.I.S.H. remains committed to the betterment of the islands and the Southwest Florida community by assisting one neighbor at a time,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. “In addition to our response to Ian, F.I.S.H. is actively meeting the needs of the community even during blue skies.”

F.I.S.H. reported that it impacted many lives in 2023, but perhaps one of its biggest successes was the Hurricane Ian Point of Distribution (POD) program, which is offered in partnership with the United Way’s Gifts-in-Kind Program. F.I.S.H. distributed 1,060 pieces of furniture to survivors of the storm.

“We are pleased to partner with United Way to offer this valuable program to our community members, many of which lost everything due to Ian,” she said. “This program helps alleviate the financial pressure and emotional stress for community members who need to replace everything, from smaller items like dishes and utensils to larger furnishings, windows and doors. It’s a very meaningful program that our community appreciates each month.”

Also during 2023, F.I.S.H. answered more than 24,000 service requests from island neighbors. It reported that 86% of every dollar went to programming. Other impacts for the year included:

– 5,486 visits to the food pantry and 896 holiday food baskets

– 2,983 reassurance calls to seniors and homebound islanders

– F.I.S.H. Social Services provided 5,740 instances of case management

– Seniors and homebound residents received 2,983 reassurance calls and 208 Smile Boxes

– Hurricane recovery services and supplies totaled 4,018 instances and 745 hurricane preparedness packets were distributed

– 285 children received holiday toy assistance and 217 children received school supplies

– Volunteers provided 10,603 hours of service, equating to $311,834, and drove 24,000 miles