EOD expanding its ‘Ambassador’ program in Sarasota-Manatee
Embracing Our Differences is expanding its Education Ambassador Program across Sarasota and Manatee counties thanks to a $350,000, three-year grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.
The yearlong school district-supported leadership program helps teachers, administrators and school-based professionals to become champions for inclusion within their schools and communities through collaborative learning and project-based leadership experiences designed to inspire cultural change.
Since the program launched in 2018, 190 educators from 78 schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties have participated. The program is also expanding into Pinellas County.
“Educators have an extraordinary ability to influence how students experience belonging, connection and respect within a school community,” said Patrick Arthur Jackson, EOD vice-president of learning and engagement. “This program gives them tools, support and inspiration to foster empathy, inclusion and respect in ways that ripple outward to students, families and entire communities.”
For more information, call 941-404-5710 or visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org.
Community Foundation awards over $2.1 million in scholarships
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently awarded more than $2.1 million in scholarships to 566 students, helping everyone from recent high school graduates heading off to college to students returning to school for a degree or certification that will enhance their careers.
Each year the foundation accepts applications for Traditional Scholarships for students under age 24 as well as Adult Scholarships for students 24 and up. Specialty scholarships with unique criteria are also awarded.
“Our scholarship programs are designed to meet student needs in a multitude of ways, improving long-term outcomes and ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality education,” said Jessica Muroff, president and CEO of the Community Foundation.
For more information, visit cfsarasota.org or call 941-955-3000.
New creative writing session at Senior Friendship Centers
The Senior Friendship Centers will host a new session of “Joyful Journeys: Turn Your Life and Memories into Stories” starting in August. The free creative writing program is presented by the Gussin Center for Creative Writing Workshop Series.
Led by Brazilian-born educator, writer and teaching artist Maria Schaedler-Luera, the 10-session workshop helps participants shape life experiences into written stories through guided prompts, storytelling exercises, writing instruction, and group discussion. Schaedler-Luera is the author of “Be the Protagonist” and is working on her second book, “The Resilient Protagonist.”
“Every life contains extraordinary stories,” said Bob Gussin. “This program helps people rediscover their voices and preserve memories that might otherwise remain untold. The result is not only meaningful for participants, but often deeply moving for families and the broader community as well.”
Classes take place on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. at the Senior Friendship Centers’ Carter Library, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, beginning Aug. 19. For registration and more information, visit friendshipcenters.org/special-events or call 941-556-3269.
$1 million helipad opens at HCA Englewood Hospital
HCA Florida Englewood Hospital recently celebrated the opening of its new $1 million helipad during National EMS Week in May, honoring the hospital’s partnership with first responders and emergency transport teams who provide lifesaving care on the ground and in the air.
The helipad enhances emergency access across the Southwest Florida region and strengthens the hospital’s ability to transport critically ill and injured patients when every second matters. The helipad prioritizes speed with all-weather reliability and enhanced safety for patients and flight crews.
“The opening of this helipad reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring patients have rapid access to lifesaving care when every second matters,” CEO Kelly Lindsay said. “During EMS Week especially, we are proud to recognize the extraordinary collaboration between our hospital teams and first responders who work together every day to save lives.”
Located on the north side of the hospital, the 2,025-square-foot helipad is 18 inches thick and includes direct access to a dedicated emergency department entrance.
Around and about
· The Fresh Fridays outdoor event series will celebrate its season finale with “Dance Dance Sarasota” on June 5 from 7-10 p.m. on North Palm Avenue. Music, vendors, and interactive experiences. Info: downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays.
· The North Port Health Care Exposition sponsored by the North Port’s Economic Development Division will be on June 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way. Info: tinyurl.com/yc5brad7.
· Town Square University Parkway will host its annual art exhibit “Threads of the Past, Pieces of the Present” on June 10 from 5-6:30 p.m. The event (8450 Lockwood Ridge Road Sarasota) will showcase artwork created by older adults living with dementia and also feature poetry and an art book. Info: townsquare.net/universityparkway.
Submissions by Barbara Najmy, Su Byron, Cooper Levey-Baker, Julie Beatty, Ester Soltesova, City of North Port, and Skyler Betts.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: EOD expanding its ‘Ambassador’
program in Sarasota-Manatee
Reporting by Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
