Red Tide Support: Nonprofit Sets Up Emergency Fund

SARASOTA, FL -- Serving on the front line of the red tide economic and environmental disaster in Sarasota County, the nonprofit organization, JFCS, is stepping up efforts and asking for donations to a special emergency fund.

Donations will go directly to outreach services through JFCS’ Building Strong Families Program, which serves people who rely on the service industries for employment and have found themselves with fewer working hours or employment opportunities due to red tide’s impact.

Since the beginning of July, JFCS has identified an increase of approximately 40 percent in homeless prevention requests that bridge between homelessness and living in a residence of one’s own. JFCS clients are generally underemployed and working more than one job. For many, their primary source of income is derived from the hospitality industry, such as restaurants and hotels.

“JFCS wants to stop the cycle of homelessness and poverty before it can begin,” said Heidi Brown, president/CEO of JFCS. “Even if the red tide crisis were to end tomorrow, it will take months and even years for the area’s economy and environment to recover.”

Donations can be made by contacting Sherry Gluchov at 941.366.2224, ext. 141 or sgluchov@jfcs-cares.org.

Founded in 1985, JFCS is a fully accredited, community-based social service, nonprofit organization serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Collier, Lee and DeSoto counties in Florida, with the goal of empowering people to lead healthy, happy and sustainable lives. JFCS serves more than 5,700 individuals each year through counseling, prevention, intervention, outreach, case management, basic life necessities, financial aid and life skills education programs on a secular, nondenominational basis. Its seven key focal areas include Youth, Seniors, Cancer Support, Jewish Healing, Counseling, Veterans and Families.

For more information, call 941.366.2224 or visit the website.