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THE LURE OF GIVING AND WINNING REELS IN ANGLERS
FOR THE 10TH ANNUAL ARC/KDW FISHING TOURNAMENT
Stuart, FL. –Fishing, fun and festivity. That’s what folks experienced at the ARC of the Treasure Coast’s 10th Annual KDW Offshore Fishing Tournament held last month at the Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina in Stuart.
After postponing the event for two weeks due to weather, anglers were ready to reel in the biggest Kingfish, Dolphin, Wahoo, Grouper, and Snapper for cash prizes up to $10K.
Kingfish king and first place bragging rights went to Jim Hathway for reeling in a 19.6 pounder.
Bryce Alkire took home the biggest Dolphin at 5.65 lbs.
The Wahoo winner is Ryan McComas for his 16.22 lbs. catch.
and Travis Scott is our Snapper superstar with his 14.9 pounder.
The Lady Angler winner is Karlee Aultman.
And the Junior Angler prize was awarded to Caleb Buys.
Money raised from the tournament supports ARC of the Treasure Coast’s programs and services for more than 1000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Thanks to our generous partners for sponsoring the event including Florida Insurance Trust, HMY Yacht Sales, Jordan Dynamics, Duffy’s, Robert Erneston Produce, John Rizzotto GC, LLC, Snook Nook, Manero’s, Ponn’s Landscaping, Boar’s Head Treasure Coast Provisions, Boar’s Head Indian River Provisions, Breakthru Beverage, Frito Lay, and Publix.
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About ARC of the Treasure Coast: The ARC, (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with I/DD through residential, vocational, educational, behavioral, and other healthcare services. ARC provides support, assistance, and training that enhances the abilities of children and adults with disabilities to thrive each day and achieve their fullest potential.
United Way Awards
Banner Lake Inc. recently received not one, but two generous awards from United Way of Martin County. One award was gifted to Banner Lake Early Learning Center and the second was for our summer program, Beyond Summer Slide. United Way of Martin County generously awarded $1,951,237 in Community Impact Grants to local organizations.
Local programs where chosen based on their dedication to improving the education, health, and financial stability of Martin County residents. Some of these such programs included: 4C’s Club, Caring Children/Clothing Children, Career Connect Martin, Little Lights Dentistry, and Martin County Healthy Start Coalition. We are so pleased to have our dedication to the community recognized. Thank you, United Way of Martin County, for your incredible support and generosity, not only to us, but to our community as a whole. We look forward to continuing to work with United Way of Martin County to help our community thrive.
House of Hope Receives Grant from Mariner Sands Charity Week Fundraising Events
STUART, Fla. – House of Hope is the grateful beneficiary of Mariner Sands Golf and Country Club’s 2024 Charity Week, a week of events that Mariner Sands residents stage every year to raise funds for community nonprofits.
The $70,500 awarded to House of Hope will support Project HOPE: Helping Others Progress through Empowerment, which helps individuals and families to receive basic help like food and clothing, financial assistance for items like rent and utilities, and opportunities to change their lives and become self-sufficient.
The grant will also help to support House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment, especially the programs at the KinDoo Center for Enrichment in Indiantown. Classes and programs at the Centers for Enrichment in Golden Gate, Jensen Beach and Indiantown include English as a Second Language, Kindergarten readiness, smoking cessation, homework help, art classes, and more.
The Mariners Sands Charity Week 2024 committee members met with House of Hope representatives in House of Hope’s hydroponic greenhouses on the site of the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City
“The number of our neighbors who need help continues to grow,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “This past year alone, we assisted 21,000 people, distributed almost 1.3 million pounds of food including fresh fruits and vegetables, welcomed 625 individuals to programs at the Centers for Enrichment, and reached 4,700 children and adults with nutrition education and gardening programs. That’s a huge undertaking, and we can only do it with the help of generous community members like the residents of Mariner Sands.”
"We are delighted to partner with the House of Hope and contribute to their impactful work within our community," said Jack Flanagan, President of Mariner Sands Charity Week. "This grant exemplifies our shared commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need here in Martin County"
House of Hope is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year by encouraging the community to think 40 – 40 items donated to help those in need of hurricane supplies, 40 school supplies for children in need, 40 items donated to the House of Hope Thrift Stores that benefit House of Hope programs, and contributions of any amount to keep House of Hope on the forefront of assisting and empowering Martin County residents trying to overcome hunger and hardship.
To learn more about House of Hope or to make a donation, visit House of Hope’s website at www.hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673.
About House of Hope
Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 21,000 people each month, helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future.
The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, with thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at Golden Gate in Stuart, in Jensen Beach, and at KinDoo Family Center in Indiantown offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.
House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Driving Change: United Way of Martin County's Ride United Program Receives $21,222 Grant from United Way Worldwide
STUART, FL – United Way of Martin County is excited to announce that its Ride United Program has been awarded a $21,222 grant from United Way Worldwide. Martin County is proud to be one of 55 United Way organizations across the nation to receive this vital support and one of only four in Florida - receiving the highest grant amount among Florida recipients.
Ride United addresses critical transportation needs in Martin County, providing temporary and complimentary rides to community members. Since its inception the program has achieved remarkable success:
From August 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024:
342 Unduplicated Riders
2,093 Rides Completed
$18.06 Average Cost Per Ride
By offering reliable transportation, Ride United ensures that lack of transportation is not a barrier to accessing essential services such as medical appointments, employment opportunities, and educational resources.
"We are incredibly honored and grateful to receive this grant from United Way Worldwide," said Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, United Way of Martin County President and CEO. "The funding will enable us to expand our Ride United Program, helping even more community members overcome transportation challenges."
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Ride scheduling is available during operating business hours (Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.). Morning, evening and weekend rides are available upon pre-scheduled request. To obtain a ride, eligible participants must:
Be a Martin County resident
Travel to/from a Martin County location
Have a critical service need (medical appointments, employment opportunities, educational resources, food procurement)
Be 18+ years old or accompanied by an adult
Schedule rides during operating business hours (Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)
IMPACT & INFO
The program has already demonstrated a profound impact on the community, and with this new grant, it is shifting into high gear. United Way of Martin County is committed to building a stronger, more resilient community, and this grant is a testament to the effectiveness and importance of our programs.
For more information about Ride United or how you can support the program, please visit www.unitedwaymartin.org/RideUnited or contact our office at 772-283-4800.
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About United Way of Martin County
United Way of Martin County’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create long-term social change and provide support to Martin County residents by investing in programs that strive to: enhance healthy living, improve education, and support financial stability. To learn more about United Way of Martin County, visit www.unitedwaymartin.org.
The Stuart/Martin County Chamber would like to thank United Way of Martin County and the Community Foundation of Palm Beach/Martin Counties for their recent grant awards to The Martin Chamber Foundation, the Chamber’s only 501c3 charity. The Martin Chamber Foundation was established in 2023 to support economic prosperity for Martin County residents by strengthening and growing workforce development, education & entrepreneurship. More specifically, the Foundation is tackling one of our area’s toughest challenges – a prepared and connected workforce – with a program called Career Connect Martin.
Photo Left to Right: Carol Houwaart-Diez, United Way of Martin County CEO, Gina Master, Workforce Development Coordinator, Angela Hoffman, Vice President, Time Kinane, Career Coach, Elliot Paul, United Way of Martin County Chairman
These two grants will fuel the Career Connect Martin program, providing individualized workforce skill development and on-the-job training for our community’s most vulnerable job seekers. Program participants gain the competencies, confidence, and the connections to land great jobs that offer security and growth opportunities. IN addition, Career Connect Martin is a non-traditional business accelerator, augmenting the human resource management needs of small companies. Career Connect helps hire, train, and retain employees. Companies with employees who are well-trained and well-supported have a 24% higher profit margins.
We are excited to strengthen our reach and grow the program’s capacity with a renewed focused on internal structure, clear measurable objectives, and even better training tools for participants. With the support of United Way of Martin County and the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Career Connect Martin will enhancement our economy and improve the quality of life for our participants and their families.
More about Career Connect Martin:
With support from the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, the Stuart/Martin County Chamber started Career Connect Martin in 2022 to help unemployed and underemployed residents gain new skills, overcome employment barriers, and connect to local businesses struggling to hire, train and retain employees.
With an 83% Success Rate in the first two years, the Stuart/Martin County Chamber realized the importance of continuing Career Connect Martin. As a result, the Martin Chamber Foundation, a 501c3 charity was established as a means to continue the work. To learn more about the Martin Chamber Foundation and how it supports economic prosperity for Martin County residents, visit www.martinchamberfoundation.org
Back to School Bash at The Children's Museum
Date: Saturday, August 24th, 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast, 1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957
Presenting Sponsor: Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Supporting Sponsor: Publix Charities
Jensen Beach, FL — July 1, 2024 — The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast is thrilled to announce the eagerly awaited Back to School Bash, presented by Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and supported by Publix Charities. This exciting event will take place on Saturday, August 24th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at The Children's Museum, promising a day of family-friendly festivities and educational fun.
Families are invited to kick off the upcoming school year with a memorable celebration featuring a wide array of activities:
Petting Zoo: Delight in meeting and greeting adorable animals.
Pony Rides: Enjoy a scenic ride (additional cost applies).
Juggling Shows: Marvel at the talents of our skilled jugglers.
Face Painting: Unleash creativity with imaginative face painting.
Bounce House: Bounce around and revel in the excitement.
Community Partners: Discover valuable back-to-school resources onsite.
Admission is as follows:
Members: Free entry.
Non-Members: Discounted, nonrefundable tickets available online in advance.
General Admission: Available at the door on the day of the event.
Please note that pony rides will incur an additional fee.
"We are thrilled to host the Back to School Bash, thanks to the generous support of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and Publix Charities," said Christina McIntosh, Community Outreach and Events Coordinator. "This event promises to be a highly engaging family friendly activity, offering families an opportunity to create lasting memories while gearing up for the school year ahead."
Mark your calendars and join us for a day of laughter, learning, and community spirit. Let's make this back-to-school season the best one yet!
To purchase advance nonrefundable reduced price tickets, please visit https://secure.paperlesstrans.com/childrensmuseumtcbtsbash
About The Children's Museum:
The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast provides interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in children
Pup Crawl to delight dog lovers while helping shelter animals
STUART, Fla. — One of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s favorite summertime activities is its annual Pup Crawl. Presented by Wagnolia’s, the 10th annual event will be held from 4:30-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, in downtown Stuart. Check-in and registration will take place at the promenade near Spritz City Bistro, 61 SW Osceola St.
Participants, who must be 21 years or older, and their pups will gain VIP access to six dog-friendly bars in downtown Stuart and receive one free drink at each stop along the way. The cost is $30 in advance or $40 the night of the event. This year’s theme is Heroes vs. Villains. There will be a costume contest, raffles and camaraderie among the strollers.
The participating restaurants are Duffy’s Sports Grill, Hudson’s on the River, Lush Lounge, Spritz City Bistro, Stack: Burgers & Bourbon, and Taco Shack Bar & Grill.
“This event is always a lot of fun for the participants as they stroll through downtown Stuart with their dogs, knowing they are raising money for a great cause,” said HSTC Communications Manager Sarah Fisher.
The event is dog-friendly but all dogs must be kept on a non-retractable leash and the owner must make sure the dog is properly cared for at all times. Pet owners must be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion, aggressive behavior, overstimulation and other problematic areas as pet health and safety are essential. Pets will not be permitted indoors at any of the establishments so participants with dogs are encouraged to have a buddy system.
Additional support is generously provided by Camp Bow Wow and Paw-gistics. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Ashton Standish at 772-600-3216 or astandish@hstc1.org.
About the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast – The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, FL. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
Treasure Coast Hospice Celebrates Great Place to Work Certification
Recognition Marks Fifth Year in a Row
STUART, Fla. (July 8, 2024) – For the fifth consecutive year, Great Place to Work Institute and its senior care partner Activated Insights have recognized Treasure Coast Hospice with certification as a Great Place to Work. The certification process involved surveying 100% of employees from across the organization and evaluating more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included employee pride in the organization’s community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on employees’ experiences, no matter who they are or what they do.
“Being recognized as a Great Place to Work for the fifth consecutive year is an incredible honor,” said Treasure Coast Hospice President and CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA. “This achievement is a testament to our team’s commitment to our mission, our patients and families, and each other, and it underscores the importance Treasure Coast Hospice places on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for our staff.”
The recognition marks the fifth year in a row that Treasure Coast Hospice has been certified as a Great Place to Work. This year, 92% of staff members responding to the survey said that it is a great place to work compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company.
According to the 2024 survey results, 98% of employees said they “feel welcomed” upon joining the team and 96% responded that their “work has special meaning.” Other reasons Treasure Coast Hospice was chosen as a top place to work were because staff rate the service delivered as excellent, are proud to tell others where they work and feel good about the ways the organization contributes to the community.
“We applaud Treasure Coast Hospice for seeking certification and publicly sharing its employees’ feedback,” said Dr. Jacquelyn Kung of Great Place to Work’s senior care partner Activated Insights. “These ratings measure its capacity to earn its own employees’ trust and create a great workplace for high performance.”
About Treasure Coast Hospice
Treasure Coast Hospice is a non-profit community organization of skilled professionals and dedicated volunteers whose mission is to provide access to compassionate, caring, expert and professional hospice and grief support services to patients and families at the end of life. Founded in 1982, Treasure Coast Hospice has grown to serve more than 4,000 patients annually in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. Thanks to the generous support of our community, the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation is able to fund comprehensive hospice and grief support programs for Treasure Coast Hospice, including three Inpatient Units for those who need a higher level of care, the specialized pediatric program Little Treasures, music therapy, massage therapy, virtual reality experiences, individual and group bereavement services, and Camp Good Grief for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
About Activated Insights and Great Place to Work
Activated Insights is the senior care affiliate of Great Place to Work, the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its aging services certification program, Activated Insights helps Great Place to Work recognize outstanding workplace cultures in the aging services industry and produce the annual Fortune "Best Workplaces for Aging Services™” as well as other Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, and various regions. Through its employee engagement platform, Activated Insights helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, and retention.
House of Hope Awarded 3 Community Impact Grants from United Way of Martin County
STUART, Fla. – With more than 21,000 people depending on them for assistance every month, House of Hope gratefully accepted three 2024 Community Impact Grants awarded by the United Way of Martin County in June.
The three grants, totaling $110,750, will support Project HOPE, which offers an array of cost-free services including basic needs, case management, financial assistance, clothes closets, and referrals to other resources in the community that assists clients with developing plans to become financially independent and self-sustaining; Client Choice Pantries and Food Bank services, which provide individuals and families with dignified and efficient access to healthy and nutritious food and supports 30 other agencies in the area with food and supplies, all at no cost; and Centers for Enrichment, where individuals can take advantage of free classes and services focused on health and wellness, education, English literacy, career readiness, access to technology, and arts and culture.
In presenting the award, United Way of Martin County President and CEO Carol Houwaarts-Diez said of House of Hope, “Your dedication to empowering Martin County residents and addressing critical needs is game-changing.”
House of Hope has made its mark on the community not only with the number of people served but also the innovative ways it has created to meet its mission. “Food is vital,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri, “and we’re proud that we were able to support our community by distributing 1.3 million pounds of food last year. And that food is made more nutritious thanks to the fresh fruits and vegetables we produce on our Growing Hope Farm.”
“But it’s more than the food itself,” Ranieri continued. “It’s the many services we bring together to help our clients set goals for themselves and lay out plans that will lead them to a healthy, empowered future.”
This year the United Way awarded 38 community impact grants to 27 nonprofit agencies in Martin County, totaling $958,000. An addition $992,437 was allocated to support other local non-profit program services through direct designations and funding for the United Way's internal programs, including Leaders United, Students United, Ride United, Volunteer United, United Way Holiday Project, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). That’s a total of $1,951,237 invested in the community in just one year. House of Hope has been a United Way partner since House of Hope was founded in 1984 and continues to work closely with the United Way leadership to address critical needs throughout Martin County.
United Way President & CEO Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, House of Hope staffers Deidra Kinnaman, CEO Rob Ranieri and Amy Belisle, and United Way Board Chair-Elect Elliott Paul celebrate the 2024 Community Impact Awards to House of Hope. Photo Credit: Sevin Bullwinkle.
House of Hope is now celebrating its 40th anniversary in a typical House of Hope way – by finding new opportunities to serve people in need. Currently, the staff is inviting the community to donate 40 items for its hurricane-preparedness pantry or 40 items for the school supply drive. “The needs are endless,” Ranieri said, “but fortunately so is the generosity of our community.”
To learn more about House of Hope or to make a donation, visit House of Hope’s website at www.hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673.
About House of Hope
Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 21,000 people each month, helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future.
The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, with thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at Golden Gate in Stuart, in Jensen Beach, and at KinDoo Family Center in Indiantown offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.
House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
