F.I.S.H. offering summer scholarships for families
With Lee County Schools wrapping up the year on June 6, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is working with households to ensure they have plans for children during the summer that keep them safe and active.
For those who qualify, F.I.S.H. offers scholarships to send youths to summer camps throughout the county. The Youth Summer Scholarship Program offers limited financial assistance for families who cannot afford the rising cost of summer childcare and camps.
“Many struggle to find balance between work and childcare, particularly during the summer months,” Social Services Director Nitza Lopez said. “We witnessed a decline in availability during the COVID years and since the hurricane availability has lessened even more. While some hope to reopen in time, staffing remains an issue, which means fewer children can attend. Summer months in our area often means a reduction in work-hours for those we serve. With rising tuition costs, it’s difficult to afford summer childcare.”
F.I.S.H. helps to ease the burden by providing assistance to families with the scholarships.
“We offer scholarships for summer programs to ensure children remain active and in
enriching environments when they’re out of school,” she said.
F.I.S.H. is in close contact with area camp directors on and off island so it can provide families with appropriate options.
“We work with the Sanibel Recreation Center and Sanibel Sea School, as well as off-island locations, so that our families have an array of options,” Lopez said. “It’s all about finding a balance that makes sense, keeps children engaged and, most importantly, keeps them safe.”
The program is supported by donors and grant funding from the Lee County Bar Association Foundation.
Scholarship assistance is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The F.I.S.H. Social Services Department determines eligibility for need-based financial assistance through a review of a family’s income and expense documentation. Scholarship amounts vary depending upon the length and cost of the program and family’s financial status. Available funding is limited, and scholarships may cover only a portion of the cost.
For more information, contact Lopez at 239-472-4775.