Here in Southwest Florida, the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Southwest Florida Chapter celebrated the employees that do the good work of nonprofits, the boards of directors who guide the missions, the volunteers who give of themselves, the philanthropists who share their financial resources, and the companies and foundations who lend a hand.
The TWIG (The Way to Inspire & Grow) is a free clothing store in Venice, FL specially created for children in foster care. Once a month, children can shop for outfits, undergarments, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and even some personal care items such as makeup, all for free.
Jim Rouches is a very busy man. He’s the Director of Program Services at Harvest House overseeing the Freedom and VETS programs, including 121 lives. He spends time in our local jails at least twice a week, working with individuals in the re-entry and substance abuse pods, and bringing innovative new programs such as art therapy to the inmates.
This past Saturday morning, my mom and I took our Harvest House New Heights young adults kayaking at Mote Marine. During our day, I heard laughter that was contagious, I saw faces full of joy that had eyes of not too distant sorrow, and I felt hope rise within me as I listened to their dreams.
Starting back in 2013, Sarasota spent tens of thousands of dollars—and earmarked hundreds of thousands more—agreeing to and then rejecting a solution that offered promise for reducing the city’s street homeless.
For far too many veterans here in Sarasota County and across this country, joining the military has proven easier than leaving it.
“It was nice to bring our baby to a home from the hospital instead of to our truck.”
© 2025 Harvest House. All rights reserved.
