On March 8, 2024, Samaritan Counseling Services was awarded $79,000 by the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This grant will support mental health counseling for individuals and families recovering from the long-term effects of Hurricane Ian.  “We are grateful to receive this funding to extend our collaborative efforts to our local community recovering from Hurricane Ian. There is still plenty of work to do,” said Rick Howell, Executive Director of Samaritan Counseling.  A portion of these funds will provide much needed counseling for processing trauma and reducing reactive behaviors to build resiliency and strength. Funds will also support collaboration with partnering agencies to provide therapeutic programs such as equine therapy, art therapy, and yoga.  Now totaling 30 counselors in 12 locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, Samaritan Counseling is fresh off a record year in 2023 of providing over 19,000 counseling sessions. This generous investment will continue to instill hope and transform lives in our community.