JFCS is looking to get local philanthropists started young, introducing a new initiative aimed at engaging philanthropically inclined people ages 21–45 and guiding them into a lifetime of giving. Called BeyondMe, the new program looks to turn JFCS into a hub and platform for philanthropic opportunities, eliminating the guesswork from giving.

“We want to give people an opportunity to get involved,” explains Stephen Fancher, vice president of major gifts and planned giving at JCFS, and one of the driving forces behind the project, next to JFCS Chief Development Officer Laura McManus-Mesia. Both new to the organization, but each wanting to create a bridge between the younger demographics and the philanthropic community, the pair decided to let the exact shape of the initiative form organically, by talking with potential partners and potential philanthropists. In other words, let BeyondMe be what it needs to be.

What resulted was a sort of hub, or “one-stop shop,” for budding philanthropists. By joining BeyondMe, young philanthropists join a network designed to inform its members of opportunities—big and small—to make a difference in their community by volunteering with various nonprofits and foundations that have partnered with the program. Organizations already on board include Selah Freedom, All Faiths Food Bank and The Patterson Foundation, and projects this coming month include rehabbing a gazebo and garden area at one of Selah Freedom’s safe houses, as well as a backpack stuffing drive put on by JFCS for local students in need.

As the program grows, Fancher hopes to see more members and more collaborative partners, but, even if not directly with BeyondMe, just more philanthropic giving. The initiative, he hopes, can “open the idea of what philanthropy is.” Young people may not have the deep pockets of some of their more seasoned friends, but that does not mean their generosity cannot be expressed.

“A lot of people are misguided, in that they think philanthropy has to be writing a big check once you get older,” Fancher says. “Philanthropy can be buying a cup of coffee for a homeless person.” Or, as he tells his children, “[Philanthropy] is giving what you can give at that time.”

For more information about the BeyondMe initiative, contact Stephen Fancher with JFCS of the Suncoast. 

Pictured: JFCS Staff, including Stephen Fancher (second from left) and Laura McManus-Mesia (third from left), and BeyondMe members at the BeyondMe kick-off event at Michael’s on East. Photo courtesy of JFCS.

The Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center, the “Campus of Caring,” provides quality, accessible facilities and resources for the local human services nonprofit sector. CEO and Executive Director of GSHSC Kameron Hodgens, recently created a special fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County called the Sally and Sam Shapiro Memorial Fund—established to honor the late couple’s long standing commitment to philanthropy and involvement in our community. 

In 2013, the Shapiros provided the lead gift to construct a new medical facility for the Health Department’s children’s services on our campus, inspired by Mrs. Shapiro’s love for babies and children. “Their family’s legacy continues as Mr. Shapiro’s son Tom serves on our board and is the chair of our Buildings and Grounds committee,” says Hodgens. “When Mr. Shapiro passed away in February, we received many donations from across the country in his memory. Those gifts, combined with donations from Tom and from our Giving Challenge results, are seeding the Shapiro Memorial Fund.” Those dollars have since been turned into a grant opportunity for each of the 17 nonprofit health and human services agencies on campus that help low-income and at-risk adults, children and families. Each fiscal year, they can apply for up to $1,000 for a program or need to benefit staff and/or clients who work at or are served at the GSHSC.

“Naming this collective, collaborative fund that is distributed equally to each of our campus agencies annually seemed like the perfect way to honor Mr. Shapiro’s esteemed legacy and his passion not only to our mission, but for nonprofits who work very hard every day to improve the lives of those most in need.”

Photo of Sally and Sam Shapiro provided by GSHSC.

The Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center

For 25 years, Sarasota County Schools and the YMCA have partnered to provide alternative education services to students who have committed an expellable offense and are no longer able to attend traditional schools. The Triad Alternative School program provides individual academic and behavioral programs to meet the needs of each student, with the ultimate goal of re-entry to school, technical training, college or employment. For the 2018-19 school year, Sarasota County Schools will assume full responsibility for the operation of Triad. 

Sarasota County Schools

Goodwill Manasota has announced two executive-level changes: Gray Videnka has been promoted to vice president of the Foundation and Marketing, and Tony Lapera is now vice president of Information Technology. The changes come as two former vice presidents have been recruited for leadership roles at Goodwill organizations in other communities. Videnka has served in various roles for Goodwill Manasota during her tenure with the organization, beginning by assisting with the launch of the Community Ambassador program. Most recently, she led the project management department. As vice president of the Foundation and Marketing, Videnka will be responsible for raising the necessary funds to secure short and long-term mission funding, operating and capital needs support, and to create sustainable mission-integrated social enterprise. She will oversee community outreach through the continued engagement of the Ambassadors program and special events, as well as the organization’s marketing, fundraising and finance team. Lapera has been with Goodwill Manasota since 2014, when he was hired as the director of Information Services. In his new role, Lapera will be responsible for all information systems and related technology to help Goodwill achieve strategic organizational goals. 

Goodwill Manasota

PGT Innovations, the leading US manufacturer and supplier of impact-resistant windows and doors, and Western Window Systems have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which PGT Innovations will acquire Western Window Systems from PWP Growth Equity, the middle market private equity group of Perella Weinberg Partners, for $360 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2018. With the addition of Western Window Systems, PGT Innovations expects to gain a strategic platform in important and growing geographies throughout the western United States. Western Window Systems, which has sales in 40 states, is a leader in contemporary window and door systems designed for unifying indoor/outdoor living spaces. Western Window Systems has a strong track record of profitability and is expected to achieve net sales of approximately $126 million to $132 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of between 23 percent and 24 percent for fiscal 2018. 

PGT Innovations

Last week, Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center (GSAHEC) welcomed eight high school students interested in becoming health care professionals for the first annual Health Careers Summer Institute. With three jam-packed days of guest speakers, field trips, activities, public health research and discussions about health determinants and the uninsured, these students were able to take an inside look at the healthcare industry. GSAHEC’s Director of Student Programs Joan Dixon and summer intern Lauren Sinclair designed the program to provide local high school students interested in health careers an opportunity to explore a variety of healthcare occupations through visits with local health care professionals and facilities. 

Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center