For a look at the here-and-now impacts of climate change, scientists note the rise in the number and frequency of destructive weather events. Here in Southwest Florida, a hyperactive hurricane...
Sugar Ray Robinson, considered by many the greatest boxing champion of all time, once said: “Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that’s...
The time-honored axiom that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure has never been more valid than when applied to our health. The prospects for an enhanced...
Walls may form barriers between the rooms in a home, but sometimes walls and barriers take on new meaning when thoughts turn to independent residential living options for Southwest Floridians...
The ability to navigate life with language that communicates complex thoughts, ideas and emotions makes us uniquely human. But our capacity to connect with and understand each other extends far...
Many have fled deprivation and persecution in search of a better life. They hold tight to their American Dream. They’re vital to Southwest Florida’s economy. They are the undocumented immigrants...
While preparing to welcome a new baby to the family is typically a time of wonder and joy, an expectant mother’s rollercoaster of anticipation and nervousness is also accompanied by...
It’s been said that seeing is believing. But it also takes believing in a shared mission among caring Southwest Floridians to make seeing a reality for thousands of adults and...
One of the earliest health concerns for children is visible with every smile. Teeth. From their earliest days as infants and toddlers, when dental-health treatment and family knowledge surrounding oral...
When it comes to rallying support for families coping with heightened food insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis, the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida has not backed down from the challenge of meeting a 40% increase in the...
As the convergence of perilous disease in the air and transformational social unrest on the streets has created anxiety that sets our hearts, minds and souls on edge, an invaluable emotional outlet that is uniquely human exists...
School is a crucial and complex part of growing up. It’s a period when young people develop not only academically in the classroom, but also socially and emotionally as they navigate life in the hallways, at...
With all the pressing attention generated by the COVID-19 health crisis, a pre-existing and equally alarming challenge to Southwest Florida’s future is on the rise. While it may not strike with the lethal quickness of the pandemic, its threat as a global crisis has been gathering for years like...
No doubt, these are trying times. But for Southwest Florida children from Pre-K through fifth grade, who developmentally thrive and learn best in structured routines, the effects of COVID-shuttered schools requiring them to isolate at home has been especially difficult. The certainties...
When the COVID-19 crisis closed schools throughout Southwest Florida, grade school students and their families were suddenly thrust into the unknown as they followed social-distancing guidelines and sheltered at home. But...
Water. From the grand rivers, coastal sounds and bays throughout the region, to the creeks and canals that meander through our neighborhoods, to the glistening Gulf of Mexico, water is...
When the service missions end for local military veterans and their families, the mission of the nonprofit Home Base Southwest Florida begins. With the latest figures from the U.S. Department of...
Six hours in the blazing Florida sun in COVID-19 masks and gloves is no match for the impassioned determination of the Brighter Bites Southwest Florida staff as they distribute healthy...
This article is part of a summer series that highlights the vital work of regional recipients of 2020 Community Impact Grants from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Even during the...
This article is part of a summer series that will highlight the vital work of regional recipients of 2020 Community Impact Grants from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. COVID-19 has caused...
There is a great deal of talk these days around adaptability. Personal, professional, business, government and healthcare adaptability are top of mind as we navigate the pandemic in all aspects...
Strengths and vulnerabilities across and within systems are magnified during times like these. Our systems – healthcare, education, and the economy - are struggling under the weight of a virus...
I spend a good portion of my time these days virtually connecting with people who desperately want to do something to help those suffering as a result of the pandemic. ...
The subject line of the email proclaimed “This Event is NOT Cancelled” and for obvious reasons it caught a lot of attention. I’ve learned that some people felt a momentary flash...
Our world has changed, collectively and individually. Last week I was walking around Collaboratory and missing the energy of people meeting and connecting in the building. If I am honest,...
Each week the goal of this column is to connect the beautiful act of giving to things happening in the world, our community and individual stories. Sometimes the subject matter...
This column is difficult for me to write as it hits close to home. My birth year of 1963 places me on the cusp of the baby boomer generation, and...
Recently I attended a round table formed to discuss and explore aging in place in Southwest Florida. As our nation and community approach what has been coined the Silver Tsunami,...
Last month there were a plethora of announcements that ushered in 2020 trends. Fashion, music, food and technology gurus all kick off the year with predictions and proclamations of what...
Over the last few weeks, hundreds of volunteers have walked through the doors of Collaboratory. The space doesn’t provide direct services to individuals so volunteering here takes on a different...
Today Southwest Floridans gathered around tables in their homes, office break rooms, restaurants, parks and coffee shops to share a meal and time together. People love to eat and connect,...
by Malaina Mote, scholarship manager, Southwest Florida Community Foundation As their hands met, chills traveled down my arms and tears gathered in my eyes. I watched from across the room as...
Last week I conducted an impromptu, unscientific survey. I asked most everyone I came into contact with how they were feeling. I got a few quizzical looks as I think...
Fresh starts, clean slates, new beginnings, and turning the page are all sentiments attached to New Year resolutions. The beginning of a new year provides a calendar driven opportunity to...
by Dr. Anthony Jewett, Managing Partner, SW Florida Impact Partners LLP Note: This is the last of a series of columns written by members of the SecondMuse cohort working in partnership...
by Shadreka McIntosh, Ph.D., Sozo Wellness Pharmacy Note: This is part of a series of columns written by members of the Second Muse cohort working in partnership with the Southwest Florida...
by Caleb MacPherson, Co-owner, Narrative Coffee Note: This is part of a series of columns written by members of the Second Muse cohort working in partnership with the Southwest Florida Community...
by Judy Teeven, Founder, Purpose Manufacturing Note: This is part of a series of columns written by members of the Second Muse cohort working in partnership with the Southwest Florida Community...
by Diana Giraldo, President and CEO, Streets Alive of SWFL Note: This is part of a series of columns written by members of the Second Muse cohort working in partnership with...
by Adebola Malike Adigun, owner, Curate Entertainment Note: This is part of a series of columns written by members of the Second Muse cohort working in partnership with the Southwest Florida...
Irene Rodriguez made it her dream to help people change the way they look at health and she wanted to find a way to promote a plant-based lifestyle with a...
by Sam Lewis, Wear the Fund, and member of the SecondMuse Cohort Since starting WearTheFund (WTF) nearly 8 years ago in my hometown garage, the hills and valleys of being an...
by Angela Page, Founder, Love Your Rebellion [caption id="attachment_17665" align="alignnone" width="300"] photo by Jesi Cason Photography[/caption] What is Southwest Florida known for? My guess would be tourists, retirees, or snowbirds. It’s probably...
Intro by Sarah Owen, president & CEO Southwest Florida Community Foundation Last week I shared the energy and impact I am seeing in our community through the support of homegrown entrepreneurs. ...
I often describe myself as a delusional optimist, which means I don’t spend a lot of time feeling discouraged. I tend to broker in the world of possibilities and the...
I am a data geek and believe that a commitment to measuring and evaluating progress is key to a strong strategic business plan. I am always filled with hope and...
Recently I heard the Mayor of Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto, speak on the culture of collaboration in his City. Pittsburgh is a big-time sports town, so he used a striking sports...
by the team of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation Nearly 8 years ago, Sarah Owen initiated her own personal listening tour when she took the helm of the Southwest Florida Community...
Each summer I turn over this column to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s nonprofit grantee partners. These are organizations who have received funding, made possible by donors, to support change-making...
by Angela Katz, development director, LARC, Inc. It’s hard to envision life without Google, Alexa, and Amazon. Consider how deeply the internet and smart devices are woven into your everyday life...
