Within our community, there are various resources available for hard-working families that are struggling to make ends meet. One of our objectives is to be able to connect our clients to these resources when they find themselves in need.

One community resource we want to highlight is the Season of Sharing fund, which helps individuals and families on the brink of homelessness – providing grants to help them get back on their feet.

About Season of Sharing

The Season of Sharing fund, now in its 18th year, was created by the Herald-Tribune Media Group and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. According to their website, Season of Sharing has raised and distributed more than $17 million since its inception. The partnership is enhanced by a collaboration of media partners; significant matching dollars from The Patterson Foundation, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and other funders; and donors who provide both large and small contributions. The grants are provided directly to nonprofit agencies from The Community Foundation.

Funds are up to $1,000 and can be used for rental assistance, utility bills, child care, transportation, food vouchers and other expenses associated with helping families get back on their feet. 100% of the money donated to the Season of Sharing Fund goes directly to those in need.

Where WRC comes in

The Women’s Resource Center serves as a hub, connecting our clients to various community resources – whether it be related to health, personal situations, financial, etc.

The unexpected happens – we get it. Say you’re working and living paycheck-to-paycheck and something less than extraordinary happens – like your car breaking down, or suffering an injury that sets you back from work for 6 weeks while you’re in rehab. That’s where WRC can help connect you to the right resource and put you in good hands.

The WRC has started Project Uplift, a unique initiative that can that pairs clients living paycheck to paycheck with a case manager that can help them create goals to lift them from the educational, emotional and career restraints, which limit their earning potential. Click here to learn more about Project Uplift.

Recently, a client of ours was able to get assistance through the Season of Sharing Fund.  Her initial reaction was “I’m beyond speechless.  Thank you and the organization so much!”  We were even more delighted to hear her testimonial when this mom’s mortgage was brought up-to-date from these funds:

“I know I called to inform you the payment has been applied to my mortgage account, but I also want to thank everyone that was involved and I didn’t meet. My family and I are forever grateful and may God continue to bless you all and the organization.”

The Season of Sharing is an awesome community resource available for those in need that qualify. When an unexpected setback happens that you are working to overcome – let us know and we can connect you to the resources you need.