Easter Seals Southwest Florida

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.

 “We are grateful to the Weichel Family fund of the Manatee Community Foundation for this grant. It will enable students in the VIP Academy to move closer to the goal of independent living,” said Laddison Waldo, CEO of Easter Seals Southwest Florida.

Pictured above from left to right:  MaryAnn Zyla-Smith, Director of Adult Services, Easter Seals Southwest Florida; Don Herndon, Lead Instructor, Easter Seals Southwest Florida’s VIP Academy; Marilyn Howard, Executive Director, Manatee Community Foundation.