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2024 Embracing Our Differences receives Sarasota County grant
The Sarasota County Commission has awarded Embracing Our Differences a $71,909 Tourist Development Cultural/Arts grant to help fund its 2024 exhibition season.
The annual outdoor exhibition has attracted more than 4.3 million visitors since its launch in 2004. Next year’s event featuring the work of artists, writers, and students is scheduled Jan. 21 through April 14 in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. “Millions of people have been deeply moved by the experience,” said Sarah Wertheimer, EOD’s executive director. “This generous grant is a powerful vote of confidence for our important work and will help us continue reaching new audiences outside our immediate area.”
The 2023 exhibit attracted 320,616 visitors, including 41.5% from out of state; 16% from Florida outside of Sarasota County; and 3.5% international tourists. The call for artworks and inspirational quotations produced 13,733 entries from 119 countries and 45 states. More than 65% of submissions were from students. Visit embracingourdifferences.org.
Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church to honor women business owners
The Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church will host a Women’s Day service on Aug. 20 honoring 12 African American business owners.
Pastor Anita Williams of Bethel CME Church will be the guest speaker. The guests of honor include Diane Albritton (Diane’s Allstar Insurance Agency of Florida); Edwina (Wendy) Bell-White (Wendy’s Yummy Kitchen/Truck; Katrina Bing (ATW Transportation); Inga Charles (Inga Charles Catering); Jeretha Dupree (Jades Concierge Care); Yakeitha (Key) Fitch (Circle The Sun Fitness); Francina Hollaway (Hollaway Financial); Dr. Lisa A. Merritt (Multicultural Health Institute); Melanie Singletary (Symplifyed HR Consulting); Lori Wheeler (Lori’s Bail Bonds, Dahlia Health Care); Melinda Whitehead (KØpies and MØre); and Simone Tinson Wilkinson (Simply Simone Hair Studio).
The event begins at 3 p.m. at the church at 2730 N. Links Ave. in Sarasota. There also will be a poetry reading in honor of the event. For more information, write to elizabeth.deane1@verizon.net.
Nonprofit buying third home to support former prisoners
Project 180, a Sarasota-based nonprofit that supports formerly incarcerated citizens during reentry, is expanding its residential program by purchasing a third home to serve men in active recovery from drugs and alcohol.
Project 180 seeks to alleviate the impact on communities that substance abuse and subsequent incarceration create, including disruptions in housing, employment, finances, relationships, and health care. The home purchase is supported by a grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation – the second investment by the foundation in the organization’s residential program.
“As people come out of incarceration after committing crimes fueled by addiction, they often find themselves without direction, employment, transportation, or a plan to stay healthy and crime-free,” Barancik president Teri A Hansen said. “Project 180 is meeting people where they are and providing wraparound services that not only stabilize their living situations but also allow them to positively contribute to the communities they are returning to.”
For more information about Project 180 or to support the home, visit project180reentry.org or contact Barbara Richards at barbara@project180reentry.org.
Sarasota County court diversion program gains $100,000 donation
The Sarasota County Comprehensive Treatment Court recently received a $100,000 donation from developer and attorney Hugh Culverhouse Jr. The program helps move individuals who commit nonviolent offenses and are suffering from mental health disorders out of jails and into treatment programs.
The funds will “ensure the program is fully funded this year, continuing the successes achieved over the last six years of moving individuals with mental health issues out of jail and onto a path to receive the much-needed help and support,” Centerstone regional CEO Melissa Larkin-Skinner said.
Centerstone serves as the coordinating service provider for CTC, offering programs such as mental health addiction treatment, counseling, life skills training, and assistance with housing and job training. Visit Centerstone.org.
Around and about …
Shayndel Kahn has joined JFCS of the Suncoast as Rabbinic Community Chaplain and will combine spiritual and pastoral counseling with her therapeutic musical training. She served most recently as chaplain at Sequoia Hospice in California. Kahn received her Rabbinic Pastor Ordination and Spiritual Counseling Training at the Aleph Rabbinic Seminary.
· Local philanthropists Elizabeth Moore and Don Patterson are chairing New College of Florida’s 44th annual Clambake fundraising event Soiree on the Bay on Nov. 2. The event will raise money to support three new master’s degree programs set to launch in 2024. Event sponsorships are available. Visit ncf.edu/clambake, call 941-487-4800, or email foundation@ncf.edu for information.
· Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road in Sarasota, will host “Sundae with the Rabbis” on Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. The open house (with ice cream) with synagogue leaders will offer a chance to learn more about the congregation’s worship, social, community service, youth, educational, and spiritual programs. Register at sarasotatemple.org/upcoming-events1.html. Information: 941-371-2788; info@sarasotatemple.org.
Submissions by Evan Ackerman, Su Byron, Liz Deane, Barbara Richards, Maryann Grgic, Joyce Mulcahy, Nate March, Elaine Rose Glickman.
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