Five local nonprofits were each awarded $100,000 transformational grants thanks to the collective generosity of the ladies of Impact 100 Indian River. The announcement was made at the organization’s Grant Awards Celebration, held at the Bent Pine Golf Club.
Welcoming everyone, Peg Regan, board president, thanked the Impact members for their financial and volunteer contributions, the event sponsors, and the nonprofits for the work they do within the community.
Explaining the newly revamped Annual Meeting, Regan said that the voting process had been done entirely online this year.
“So, today isn’t about the process. It’s about the outcome; it’s about the celebration,” said Regan. “We thank you for taking the time to evaluate our finalists and give us your vote.”
Heather Blome, grants chair, explained the involved grant process, which included reviewing letters of intent, applications and financials.
“We do the work of vetting and bringing forward the finalists, and then it’s one woman, one vote. Our members decide who gets the money. And that’s the power of this model,” said Blome.
“Because of the strength of this membership and the thoughtful stewardship of every dollar entrusted to Impact 100, this year we are proud to award $500,000,” Regan announced, before introducing the recipients, who each enthusiastically expressed their appreciation.
Safe Families for Children Treasure Coast: Will hire a bilingual community partner and volunteer coordinator dedicated to Fellsmere to assist Spanish-speaking parents navigate the resources available to them.
“On behalf of families and children, I want to express our deep gratitude for your belief in what’s possible in Fellsmere,” said Jessica Staudt, chapter director.
“Fellsmere is a place full of strength, culture and resilience, but without the resources that many communities take for granted. Today, that begins to change. We’re going to get started right away!”
Hibiscus Children’s Center: Its Supporting Families in Crisis Program is designed to reduce the likelihood of children being removed from their homes by providing support before a crisis reaches a breaking point.
“Every day we meet children and families facing moments they never expected; times filled with uncertainty, fear and overwhelming challenges,” said Rey Navarro, chief operating officer.
“This program exists to step into those moments with compassion, stability and hope.”
Team Success Enterprises: Their Moving Up Program provides moving services, donated furniture and household essentials to homeless and low-income families transitioning into homes. The grant was funding the lease of a warehouse, purchasing a box truck for furniture pickup and delivery, and installing technology to maintain inventory.
Michael Marsh, founder and executive director, recalled that his parents had much of their belongings thrown away because they couldn’t afford moving services.
“You tonight have changed that for the endless amount of families that we’re going to be able to serve,” said Marsh.
Treasure Coast Food Bank: The Benefits Outreach Assistance will expand their presence in Indian River County, where some 25,000 households have household earnings below the cost of living.
“Allowing people to really have the hope that they can reach out to somebody, they can sit down and talk to them, and they can really come up with a plan for success,” said Krista Garofalo, chief strategy officer.
“We’re so excited to expand our efforts in Indian River County with this program.”
Tykes and Teens: Will launch five clinician-staffed Mental Health Outreach Hubs throughout the county where families can access mental health care for children from birth through young adulthood, regardless of their ability to pay.
“Too many children and those in underserved areas face barriers like transportation, stigma and long wait times. Our mental health hub model is designed to remove those barriers entirely,” said Anne Posey, CEO.
“Your support is not just funding a program, it’s expanding access, equity and dignity in care.”
The two remaining finalists – Dynamic Life: Meeting Room Expansion; and the New Port Club of Vero Beach: Transformational Change, Building a Better Day – were recognized with Merit Awards.
Impact 100 is open to all women, with the grant allocations predicated on the number of members, who each contribute $1,100 annually: $1,000 is pooled for grants and $100 helps with expenses.
For more information, visit Impact100IR.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
