As memories of America’s involvement in the Middle East begin to fade, many of our nation’s veterans continue to face mental health challenges related to their service, but Operation Warrior Resolution (OWR) is offering innovative therapy approaches to heal trauma, including introducing these heroes to trained therapy horses, made possible by a $2,500 grant from State Farm.

OWR, an organization that provides holistic treatments for veterans and their families, has partnered with Bradenton-based SMART Riders to provide a one-of-a-kind equine therapy program in our region. The Healing through Horses program is an experiential learning initiative that uses un-mounted equine-assisted activities to aid in physical and emotional healing. Studies have shown that
equine-assisted programs are an effective therapeutic technique that can benefit veterans physically, emotionally, spiritually, and vocationally. "When someone is struggling with their mental health, their body and mind is in a constant state of stress,” says Kendra Simpkins, Founder of Operation Warrior Resolution and Army veteran. “Equine therapy is one big tool we have for helping to rewire the parasympathetic nervous system. Beyond the physical benefits, being around horses helps a person explore their feelings, build trust, and improve confidence.”

This grant will allow veterans the opportunity to connect with these majestic creatures that always respond honestly, without judgment, and without an agenda. Working with horses can address connection and communication deficits, re-engaging caring feelings and mutual trust and respect in a relationship. The program also helps veterans to decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as help participants start reestablishing relationship skills. The program is part of wider efforts by Operation Warrior Resolution to help heal the unseen wounds of military members through innovative therapeutic methods. The organization hosts multiple five-day-long therapeutic resilience retreats with licensed mental health professionals a year. 

To learn more, click here

The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization responsible for overseeing the redevelopment of 53 acres of City-owned land along Sarasota Bay into an iconic public park, has added Amber Lamerson to its team as Donor Experience Officer. Lamerson has nearly a decade of donor relations and community engagement experience, most recently with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, one of The Bay’s leading partners since the beginning of the initiative. During that time, Amber managed the donor advised grantmaking program and worked closely with philanthropists to help maximize their impact in the community. Her other experiences include roles at the New College Foundation and Forty Carrots Family Center. The Bay Park Conservancy expects to open Phase 1 of the park in October 2022, which will include award-winning features such as the Common Ground lawns, the Mangrove Bayou Walkway and outdoor Reading Room, an ADA-accessible paddle launch, an artistic playspace and concession pavilion, restored and preserved mangroves and shorelines, and more.  

For more information click here

On March 10th SRQ Media recognized five local nonprofits who have leaned into change, particularly after an extremely challenging year, at the SB2 Transformation in Philanthropy luncheon and panel discussion. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota where all parties were thrilled to be gathered together in person. The Change Agents in Philanthropy Awards focus on the capacity of the independent sector to be innovative in the face of change in fundraising, donor cultivation and development, mission, programming, branding and visibility and operations. We are pleased to highlight each of the nonprofit groups recognized at the luncheon as part of our Wednesday Philanthropy edition.

Resilient Retreat is a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those impacted by trauma and first-responders who routinely witness violence in their workplace. The organization is currently building a retreat center on their 84 sq acre property (on conservation land) - expected to be finished in 2022 - and maintains a well-trained staff of certified trauma professionals to run their evidence based programs and maintain their trauma hotline.

In light of the global pandemic, Resilient Retreat had to adapt to help a community that was hurting not just physically, but mentally. From 2020-2021, Resilient Retreat saw a 212% increase in participants reaching out for help. As COVID-19 ripped through the community, Resilient Retreat responded by expanding their programs to online and in-person offerings. When it was only safe to meet while socially distanced, the organization offered their programs outside, on their 84 acre campus. Resilient Retreat worked to make their services more approachable to vulnerable communities on multiple fronts.

“We are there to help the people on the front lines,” said Executive Director, Lisa Intagliata. “During the pandemic, we heard daily phone calls from people struggling–nonprofit workers, teachers, bankers, lawyers–people you wouldn’t necessarily expect to hear from. It opened up a whole new host of participants for Resilient Retreat. We were able to offer selfcare training and resilience building skills as needed.” 

Pictured: Members of Resilient Retreat. Photo by Noah Magnifico.

To learn more, click here

Last month, Daiquiri Deck, an iconic bar and casual restaurant that delivers a quality experience, great times, good vibes and the best frozen daiquiris around, served as a $2,500 sponsor for Southeastern Guide Dogs during their annual Suncoast Walkathon event. The three-mile walk took place at Nathan Benderson Park on Saturday, March 5 and was followed by the Waggin' Tails Festival, a post-walk party with live music, food, vendors and raffle drawings. The event serves as Southeastern Guide Dogs’ biggest fundraiser of the year and returned as an in-person event this year after two years of virtual fundraising due to the pandemic. During the festivities, Daiquiri Deck offered attendees the opportunity to play giant Jenga, cornhole or spin the prize wheel for a sticker, Tervis tumbler or coolie cup. The team also passed out Pup Coladas, a frozen treat made of ice and coconut water, to the dogs. Proceeds from the event help Southeastern Guide Dogs breed, raise, train and match their dogs with people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities and children with significant challenges such as vision loss or the loss of a parent in the military. 

At Riverview High School in Sarasota, Florida, math teacher Ashley Hernandez’s students know that she has their back. Every day as they step foot in her classroom, they are met with reminders from a bulletin board bearing motivational sticky notes. “You are enough.” “You’ve got this.” “You are brilliant.” Her positive attitude fosters an environment where students challenge themselves to work hard, driving steadily rising AP Statistics pass rates that have surpassed the state.

Today at a surprise assembly, Hernandez took the spotlight when she was named a national Milken Educator Award recipient in front of appreciative students and colleagues, education officials and media. Florida Senior Chancellor of Education Jacob Oliva joined Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop to present Hernandez with the prestigious honor, which includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. In addition to today’s celebration, Hernandez will join the national Milken Educator Network of more than 2,800 exceptional educators and leaders across the country dedicated to strengthening K-12 education. Hernandez is among more than 60 educators nationwide who will receive the Award during the 2021-22 school year. Hernandez is the first recipient from Sarasota County Schools since 2002. Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” Milken Educator Awards inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The Awards are not designated for lifetime achievement. Recipients are heralded while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities inherent in the Award.