May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and on May 3 Sunshine From Darkness (SFD) is hosting the Step Into the Light Mental Health Summit. This free event, open to the public, will explore various mental health topics such as anxiety, depression and generational trauma. Attendees will have the chance to learn new coping strategies, discover treatments and connect with experts and community resources.

Sunshine from Darkness Executive Director, Marlene Hauck, explains that people in need of mental health services often don't know where to get help, even though resources are available. To address this, the organization developed a new concept in 2023 to better assist the community. They decided to focus on trauma and other related issues, and they invited local and national speakers to share their mental health journeys and discuss topics that are not normally addressed or understood.

“We also felt it was really important to add an interactive component,” says Hauck. “It's one thing to go to a workshop and listen to someone talk, but having people participate in an experience is completely different. So we decided to add neurofeedback, mindfulness, music therapy and different forms of mental health services because some people are opposed to talk therapy or they're not really comfortable with it.”

The summit aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote mental health wellness. It offers a safe and welcoming environment for clients, clinicians, parents, advocates and anyone interested in mental health. By providing access to valuable resources and fostering collaboration, the event helps attendees build a more supportive community.

The event is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, volunteers and community partners, who help further the cause of mental health wellness and resilience.

Step Into the Light; A Mental Health Summit takes place Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 8am-2pm at The Harvest House Campus, 3650 17th Street, Sarasota. 

To learn more, visit

The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly presented the Sapphire Award at its annual Blue Ties & Butterflies gala in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, to four exceptional foundations. The foundations were honored for their enduring support and leadership, which have helped shape the agency's 45-year legacy in the fight against child abuse. In celebration of CPC’s 45th anniversary, the Sapphire Award—named after the traditional 45th anniversary gem—was created to recognize long-standing community partners. The four foundations have provided guidance, advocacy, and financial support that has been instrumental in CPC’s evolution, in establishing the organization as experts in child abuse, and recognized throughout the state and country for its leadership. The Sapphire Award honorees include: Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, McCune Family Foundation. 

To learn more, visit.

Art 4 Change Inc. is proud to announce it has been awarded a $1,500 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Emerging Needs Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This funding will support the implementation of a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool, strengthening the organization’s ability to engage with the community, grow its impact, and streamline internal operations. The investment will help Art 4 Change track donor engagement more effectively, build stronger relationships with local artists and program participants, and deliver more personalized communication aligned with the voices and values of the community. 

For more information click here

First 1,000 Days Suncoast is encouraging families to unplug and reconnect during Screen-Free Week (May 5–11, 2025). The initiative highlights how stepping away from screens can boost creativity, support healthy development in young children, and strengthen family bonds. 

For more information click here

 The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) proudly announces receiving a $400,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. This funding supports stability and sustainability for women and families and underscores WRC’s commitment to empowering women through services aimed at fostering financial security, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. 

With the end of the school year approaching, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation encourages Sarasota County Schools educators to make time this summer to plan a dream project that would renew their love for the art of teaching. Applications are now open for Barancik Foundation’s 2026 TIME Fellowship.  Through this initiative, the Foundation will award 25 eligible Sarasota County Schools educators up to $12,000 each to complete personal projects they design to recharge them professionally and rejuvenate them personally. More information and the online application can be found at BarancikFoundation.org/TIME.  The deadline to apply for the 2026 TIME Fellowship is September 29. 

Bring your 4-legged family members to The Bazaar on Saturday, April 24th! There will be an off leash area and live music! All dogs will receive a free gift from Lapdog Depot. Satchel's Last Resort will be joining with dogs looking for fur-ever homes. Hamlet's Eatery is open for lunch and you can browse the 40 shops inside The Bazaar. The Bazaar is located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit www.BazaaronApricotandLime.com 

Poised for a new phase of growth and community impact, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation is broadening leadership responsibilities on its grants and initiatives team. Effective May 1, longtime Barancik Foundation Senior Vice President John Annis will transition to the new role of Senior Advisor. At the same time, Omar Guevara-Soto—who has served as Strategic Initiatives Officer since joining the Foundation at the start of 2024—will begin to lead the Foundation’s grantmaking and community partnerships as the next Senior Vice President for Collaboration and Impact.  

To learn more, visit

Be part of SRQ Magazine's standout July/August 2025 edition! Showcase your BOSRQ 2025 win or feature your brand in the Home & Design Flipbook—highlighting architecture, real estate and outdoor living. Limited space available in these highly anticipated sections. Gain visibility, celebrate your success, and inspire readers. Reserve now!