SARASOTA, Fla. (October 25, 2023) – Impact100 SRQ has selected Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast as one of ten finalists in their annual funding initiative, a distinction the organization is honored to have received. Impact100’s local communal giving concept is adopted by over sixty chapters globally, including the Sarasota chapter. Established in 2018, Impact100 SRQ unites a diverse group of women who provide transformative contributions to nearby nonprofit organizations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
At the Impact100 SRQ Annual Celebration and Award Ceremony on November 8, seven grant recipients will be revealed. Each recipient will receive $109,000 in funding. If chosen, JFCS of the Suncoast will use these funds for school and family wellness support services. JFCS clinicians are witnessing a greater intensity in counseling families with several members who are coping with a variety of problems. These needs require a higher degree of counseling and a more complex continuum of care.
JFCS provides a variety of programs to meet the vital needs of children and teenagers in terms of mental health. Camp Mariposa provides counseling and activities for youths/teens for the prevention and intervention of substance abuse in a traditional camp setting. The Adolescent Diversion and Assistance Program (ADAP) keeps youths out of the juvenile justice system and improves their behaviors in school. JFCS also partners with Unidos Now, the Boys and Girls Club, and the State College of Florida Collegiate School in Venice to offer mental health counseling to support youths and their families.
“The counseling services we provide play a pivotal role in the health and well-being of children and families in our communities, but what we’ve found is that serving only the youth is just not enough. Many of these families need healing and support as well. The Impact100 SRQ funding would allow us to deepen and broaden the positive impact we make by improving family functioning, communication and addressing barriers that inhibit healthy forward progression of the familial unit,” said Dr. Helene Lotman, CEO of Jewish Family and Children’s Service.
If JFCS is awarded the grant, it will expand our School and Family Wellness Support Service with a clinician and a “wraparound” case worker who will be dedicated to families in need, which we find are many. The outcomes for children and youth improve significantly when parents and guardians also receive support. Families often struggle with parenting abilities, divorce-related conflict, work stress, depression, anxiety, and anger management. Several research studies done by the Cleveland Clinic have shown the effectiveness of family therapy in treating a variety of mental and emotional conditions and health issues, like adolescent substance use, depression, and family conflict. Studies also show that 90 percent those who received counseling show significant improvements in their emotional health.
The Impact100 SRQ model is simple. At least 100 women each give a $1,000 tax-deductible donation, and together they collectively award grants in increments of at least $100,000 to local nonprofits in five focus areas: Arts, Culture & History; Education; Environment & Recreation; Family; and Health & Wellness. Each member‘s annual donation strengthens the power of giving and funds the innovative projects that make a high impact and sustainable difference in our community.
JFCS representatives: Keith Leahey, Chief of Behavioral and Health Services; and Helene Lotman, CEO
###
About Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast: One of the Florida Suncoast’s leading mental health and human services agencies, JFCS delivers programs and services on a non-denominational basis with the goal of empowering individuals toward well-being and self-reliance. Inspired by the Jewish tradition of helping all people, JFCS of the Suncoast believes all people should be treated with dignity and respect and have equal opportunity for physical and mental well-being, self-expression, and joy. For more information, visit https://JFCS-Cares.org/ or call (941) 366-2224.
JFCS of the Suncoast is a registered 501C(3) organization EIN: 59-2693318. A copy of official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (1-800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.