Easter Seals Southwest Florida

On June 4 Easter Seals Southwest Florida’s Vocation Introduction and Preparation (VIP) Academy graduated 5 students. Manatee County Schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal spoke at the graduation and encouraged the graduates to “be lifelong learners, stretch higher, and be a good citizen and build strong relations.” The VIP Academy is a specialized program for Manatee County students aged 14-22 who are eligible for Exceptional Student services.

Easter Seals Southwest Florida has been awarded three new grants to benefit Easter Seals’ children’s services.

Easter Seals’ Project Rainbow Children’s Respite Services program received a $5,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc., made possible through the Charles L. Huisking, Jr. and Lillian Huisking Donor Advised Fund.

The Sarasota based architecture-design firm helps breathe new life into aging facility

Easter Seals Southwest Florida is the grateful, excited recipient of a $10,000.00 grant from COBROOKE - IDEAS I ARCHITECTURE I DESIGN, a Sarasota based architecture-design firm. Architect Robert Vecchione will devote $10,000 in design expertise as well as convening a team of other professionals whose combined talents and abilities will bring new life to the aging Easter Seals facility.

Easter Seals Southwest Florida received a $3,000 grant from the Weichel Family Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation to purchase food for breakfasts and lunches for Easter Seals’ Vocational Introduction and Preparation (VIP) Academy students for one year. The VIP Academy is an alternative high school program through the Manatee County School Board that prepares students ages 14-22 with special needs for the work force and independent living. Among other life skills, the students learn to budget, shop for, and prepare their own meals.