FISH official charts decades of challenges, triumphs
Like most island organizations, businesses and residents, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva took some brutal hits in recent years. The difference? It had more than its own organization to rescue and rebuild.
FISH carried the weight of the entire community’s welfare as it went into recovery mode. Executive Director Maria Espinoza recapped the journey and current state of the organization at the SanCap Chamber’s business luncheon on March 19 at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel.
The journey began in 1982, as “a nonprofit started by four couples on the island,” she said. “For the first 20 years FISH was around, it focused on senior services.”
Espinoza credited Maggie Feiner, who advanced from volunteer to president and chief executive officer for the organization’s early growth, shaping its mission of “neighbors helping neighbors.”
Fast forward to this year as FISH further achieves its mission with the help of a $6.9 million federal grant in cooperation with the city of Sanibel. In between, during its 40-plus years, it has grown and pivoted to meet the changing needs of the community. First the pandemic and later Hurricane Ian saw the nonprofit evolve from primarily a food pantry and transportation service for seniors to today’s multitude of services that fall under its four-pronged vision: food programs, island-based education, senior services, and helping hands and financial assistance.
Hurricane recovery greatly expanded FISH’s services, adding such initiatives as a laundry station, free furniture distribution, assistance with yard cleanup, counseling, and Camp Noah for children impacted by disaster, in partnership with Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.
“It was a transformative time,” Espinoza, who began volunteering at FISH after Hurricane Irma in 2017, said.
She quickly progressed to full-time employee status as the walk-in center manager, then director of food programs, assistant executive director, and now executive director.
“One of the things that hasn’t changed is how we depend upon volunteers,” Espinoza said.
“It’s a truly inspiring tale of community and hope to hear the FISH story and its plans for future improvements with the grant money,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said.
Also at the meeting, he announced two upcoming chamber events: its annual meeting on April 23 at the Sundial and the annual Islands Night baseball game on April 30 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.
The luncheon was sponsored by Simple Social.