Empowered Adults Create Strong Communities
We believe that providing services for adults that help prevent hunger and homelessness, and teaches empowerment through financial literacy, employability programs, and other resources, gives them the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency and independence. It also makes them better parents, partners, and citizens with hope for a bright future.
Adult Empowerment
Our programs are designed to meet specific goals that allow us to empower individuals and families.
We advocate for the needs of the community and the development of individual potential.
We facilitate connecting individuals in need to the full network of services available.
We are committed to providing quality services.
Our success depends on our reputation as a trusted and respected partner for the individuals and organizations we serve.
We are dedicated to empowering communities through education, training, and support that leads to self-sufficiency and independence.
If you or someone you know would benefit from our Adult Empowerment programs, please fill out an inquiry form for more information or call 941-483-3338.
Workforce Development
Free Job Readiness Workshops are held monthly for individuals having trouble finding or maintaining employment, are unhappy with their current employment or wishing to learn about necessary life skills at work. After completion of the workshop individuals will work on-on-one with a trained mentor to provide support, advice and guidance as needed.
Workshop Training Classes include:
Life Skills for Work
Applications and Resumes
Getting the Job
Dealing With Stress
Managing Your Finances
Partner Programs
CLIENT CHOICE FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS, including USDA products, are on the first and third Thursdays of the month, 10 am-noon, and 4-6 pm
SEASON OF SHARING - Rent/housing assistance and Summer Camp scholarships
ACCESS - Computer access to government assistance programs
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - Training for employment opportunities
LIFE SKILLS - Tools for home, work, academia, and community
HAND UP! - Financial wellness and education program
Emergency Financial Assistance
More than 40% of the families in Sarasota County are one emergency away from financial crisis. Our experienced staff are available to meet with residents in need to assess the situation and provide emergency financial assistance for rental and utility payments, necessary auto repairs, and childcare to prevent homelessness and job loss. Such payment assistance is designed to help individuals and families move out of a crisis situation.
We move families from crisis to stability with a holistic approach that provides workshops and wraparound services. We encourage those living on the financial edge to enroll in our empowerment programs designed to help individuals take a hard look at their own resources, mindsets, and actions, and to learn how to build their own plan for future self-sufficiency and prosperity.
If you or someone you know are experiencing a financial crisis, please call 941-483-3338.
Hand Up!
Financial Literacy Programs to Empower Financial Stability
Our Hand Up! program helps break the cycle of poverty by providing financial education and resources to people living on the economic edge. With the help of our partners, we are able to offer loans to those qualified who are otherwise unable to secure traditional home, business, or vehicle loans. We believe that financial growth leads to security, lower stress levels, a sense of achievement, and hope for the future.
How Hand Up! Works
Our staff with works with individuals step-by-step to:
Identify short and long-term goals
Create a realistic budget plan
Learn about the basics of credit and how to build credit scores
Learn how to use banking systems
Decide a course of action to manage debt and to start saving
Learn how to make sound financial decisions
Distinguish between needs and wants
Provide follow-up on financial progress and future goals
Provide access to financial products like loans, credit cards, mortgages with untraditional qualifications
Are You Ready for a Hand Up?
Are you over 18 years of age?
Are you stressed about how to pay your bills each month?
Do you juggle your expenses and “rob Peter to pay Paul”?
Do you sometimes rely on family, friends, or social services to pay your bills?
Do you need reliable transportation but can’t get a car loan?
Would creating a budget or raising your credit score improve your financial wellbeing?
Are you paying fees for check cashing?
Do you have credit card debt with high balances and/or high interest rates?
Are you tired of worrying about money?
Are you concerned about your financial future?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please call 941-483-3338
