FISH OF SANCAP Helps Local Family Rebuild Their Lives Through Generosity and Partnerships

FISH OF SANCAP, the islands’ only wrap-around social service organization, continues to make life-changing impacts for residents and workers on Sanibel and Captiva. In collaboration with Community Housing & Resources (CHR), United Way, and the generosity of the local community, FISH recently helped a single mother of two move from a difficult living situation into a brighter future.

The client, Kelly S., is a mother to an 8-year-old daughter and a disabled son requiring round-the-clock care. She relocated to Sanibel three years ago, initially living with a friend. The arrangement soon became strained as she depended on him for transportation and, while he allowed her to use his vehicle, she spent most of her time running his errands leaving little time to seek additional work to help secure her independence. The name of the individual has been changed for privacy purposes.

Looking for a path forward, Kelly reached out to FISH for help. She had used their Food Pantry a few times in the past and hoped they might have resources, guidance, and support to help her improve her situation and build a better life.

When FISH received a donated van, they immediately thought of Kelly. “When I called to see if she’d be interested, she literally jumped for joy,” shared Nitza Lopez, FISH’s Social Services Director. “Having reliable transportation was exactly what she needed to take control of her life.” To ensure everything was in order, FISH had the van inspected by a mechanic and even helped Kelly with the transfer paperwork, making the entire process smooth and stress-free.

With the freedom of her own transportation, she pursued her dream of becoming a physical therapist, eventually graduating and securing a full-time job as a massage therapist. FISH then referred her to CHR, and within three months, she was approved for housing, providing her family with a safe and stable home.

FISH, through the United Way Gifts In-Kind program, helped furnish her new apartment through their POD furniture distribution event, where she selected new beds for her entire family, a sectional sofa, a coffee table, nightstands, and even a TV.

“I’m still settling in and want to take some time to offer my gratitude,” begins Kelly in a letter to Nitza and FISH. “You and FISH have given me a fresh new start. You’ve helped feed my family, you’ve helped me get the home of my dreams, and you helped me get solid transportation. I can get to work on my own and feel inspired knowing that I am making a life that is mine. No one can take it away. I know I am actually moving forward now, and it’s so empowering and motivating that all my efforts do make a difference. I see a huge light at the end of a long, weary tunnel.”

This story shows how FISH, with the help of its donors, community partners and volunteers, comes together to help people overcome challenges, rebuild their lives, and create a brighter future for their families.

Lopez added, “This is what FISH is all about—helping our neighbors move forward one step at a time. By addressing immediate needs and working with partners like CHR and United Way, we’re able to support long-term change.”

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