provided to The Santiva Chronicle
FISH OF SANCAP recently stepped in to support “Samantha,” a devoted Sanibel mom of two, as she worked through a particularly challenging chapter in her family’s life. (Name changed to protect privacy.)
Samantha works full-time to support her child, who lives with a disability that affects mobility. Samantha fills her days with balancing work, parenting, and ensuring her daughter receives the care she needs — even hiring a nurse to support her daughter’s medical needs while at work.
A longtime FISH food pantry and backpack program participant, Samantha knew she could turn to the organization for help.
As her daughter grew, navigating the stairs to medical appointments became difficult and dangerous. She hoped to install a stair lift—a piece of equipment that would dramatically improve her daughter’s daily life and her ability to get to work—but financial strain made the purchase seem out of reach.
Through their Helping Hands program, FISH was able to assist by covering two months of Samantha’s rent, which freed up the funds she needed to move forward with purchasing the stair lift. It was installed within two days of the lift’s arrival — and life changed.
“Samantha’s story is an example of how providing a little relief in one area can create change in another,” says FISH Social Services Director Nitza Lopez. “By helping with rent, we gave her the space to care for something vital for her daughter’s health and their family’s daily well-being. That’s the kind of support FISH is here to offer.”
Samantha shared her heartfelt thanks in a note to the FISH team, which reads in part:
“I wanted to offer my gratitude. You and FISH have given me a fresh new start,” wrote Samantha. “I have felt for a long time there were so many obstacles — each one felt too big on its own, and it seemed like I couldn’t move forward without solving all of them at once.
“You’ve helped feed my family, helped me get the home of my dreams for my family, and supported me in getting reliable transportation,” her note continued. “Most recently, you even made it possible for me to purchase a stair lift for my daughter, which has changed our lives more than I can imagine. It’s given her freedom and dignity and given me peace of mind…”
The FISH Helping Hands program provides limited financial assistance to individuals and families facing unexpected hardships, including help with rent, utilities, medical, and other urgent needs.
The program offers short-term relief and long-term stability, helping neighbors stay on their feet during difficult times. Those needing assistance can contact FISH directly to complete a confidential intake and evaluation process with a staff member.
The Helping Hands program is funded, in part, through generous support from the Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation, whose commitment to the community makes this critical assistance possible.
To learn more about the programs of FISH or to support their mission, contact Executive Director Maria Espinoza.
Leave a Comment