Bliss Browne, the founder and president of Imagine Chicago, will serve as Helping People Succeed’s Board Chair on the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County. In this new position, she is prioritizing community engagement, fundraising, and strategic collaborations. Helping People Succeed will launch its first capital campaign this year.
One of the first projects to be coordinated since Browne became Chair was moving Helping People Succeed to a new permanent location, in Jensen Beach off Savannah Road. The expanded site offers larger space for programs and public events. It will transform into an exhibit space for this year’s Pinot & Picasso fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, November 18.
As a kick off for the opening of Helping People Succeed’s new facility, officials from five local Chambers of Commerce, and many guests were on hand for a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony, introducing “Our New Home” at 1601 Braille Place in Jensen Beach.
Browne, who presided at the event, spoke of the importance of public / private partnerships to sustain critical support work for vulnerable populations: “I am inspired by the chance for us as a whole community to build a truly permanent home base where we can sustain the vital work of building productive lives through training, employment and community connections.“
Helping People Succeed has been on the move in the last month – moving to new offices at 1601 NE Braille Place off of Savannah Road in Jensen Beach and announcing its new Board Members for 2017-2018. With 5,100 families served by the organization and approximately 125 staff members, the recent changes will only enhance its mission.
“We’re thrilled to have this new opportunity for our organization,” said Suzy Hutcheson, President/CEO of Helping People Succeed. “In business more than 53 years and currently serving five departments – Baby Steps, Healthy Families, Behavioral Services, Employment Options and Community Connections – we are pleased to present this new look for our clients in a one-story structure.
Helping People Succeed received several Proclamations during the month of April from the Martin County Commission, the St. Lucie County Commission and the City of Stuart for National Autism Awareness Month.
In addition, Helping People Succeed also received a Proclamation from Okeechobee County for National Child Abuse Awareness Month.
Helping People Succeed coordinates autism programs for elementary, middle and high school students and helps more than 4,500 families in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties regarding autism, abuse and everyday services in the development of babies and children.
Okeechobee News recently published an article featuring staff members from the Healthy Families Florida department that operate out of the Okeechobee office of Helping People Succeed.
The artists, featured in the 2017 Art for Living Calendar, recently unveiled Helping People Succeed’s calendar at the Third Annual Pinot & Picasso event. This evening of fine wine and art was held at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club hosted by residents Bill Lichtenberger and Bill Crandall.
From its Tunnel of Trees and Squall Line paintings to its Red Boathouse, Bird of Paradise and Moonlit Blooms, Helping People Succeed has its 2017 Art for Living Calendar on sale at locations in Martin and St. Lucie counties. In addition, a calendar signing is scheduled at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Jensen Beach on Saturday, December 10th from 1 to 3 p.m.
Drew Mello of WQCS radio and Helping People Succeed President/CEO Suzy Hutcheson discuss October as Disablity Awareness Month and the upcoming Pinot & Picasso event at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country.
County and City Commissioners representing St. Lucie County, the City of Stuart and Martin County presented Proclamations to recognize the National Disability Employment Awareness Month during October.
The resolutions points out Helping People Succeed Inc., which provides Employment Options and Community Connections for its adult with disabilities programs.
Helping People Succeed, through its staff and and volunteers, assists citizens with disabilities to obtain gainful employment, become more independent and taxpaying adults, achieve their potential in all aspects of community life and contribute to the sustainability of our community.
Thanks to two remarkable men, hosts Bill Lichtenberger and Bill Crandall, the local community is invited to Helping People Succeed’s 3rd Annual Pinot and Picasso evening reception, featuring the artists of the 2017 Art for Living Calendar.
The special evening, planned for Saturday, November 19th at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club, will offer guests calendar art selections and other available art on display at the clubhouse in this popular community. Pinot and Picasso, an amazing evening of fine wine and art, is the primary fundraising event to support Helping People Succeed’s diverse programs and services critical to local residents and families.
Nearly 100 guests were on hand at the annual White Shirt Night, enjoying the art of 12 artists sharing their sketches from beaches and gift baskets to historical scenes of the Treasure Coast and colorful views of our waterways and more.
It’s an evening guests can show off their new art scenes “painted” on t-shirts, ball caps, tote bags and aprons. Whether the art is used on special packages or hanging on a kitchen hook or paint rack, it is noticed in area businesses and homes.
At this year’s event, Helping People Succeed, the host of the annual fundraiser, presented the original founders artist Dan Mackin and Taste Casual Dining hosts Karen & Craig Kingston with plaques from President/CEO Suzy Hutcheson. About 10 years ago, Mackin brought the idea to Helping People Succeed, a nonprofit that over the years has worked with 4,500 families in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties.
In recognition of National Autism Awareness Month in April, the St. Lucie County Commission honored the work of Helping People Succeed for its after-school programs for students with autism spectrum disorder and for new transition programs for young adults interested in education, work skills and more.
Janet Cooper, a 15-year employee at Helping People Succeed, was recently named Vice President of Behavioral Services for the nonprofit organization serving Martin and St. Lucie Counties. Her new position oversees and manages activities of the Behavioral Services Division, which includes management and administrative duties for Successful Families and Successful Futures divisions.
Over the years, Cooper’s assignments have included maintaining Electronic Medical Records and Billing Systems. She started as the Behavioral Services Coordinator, an Operations Director and Compliance Officer.
Helping People Succeed transforms lives by realizing potential, creating hope and building futures through education, counseling, training and employment.
Our passion is building successful families and futures–one life at a time!
Helping People Succeed
1601 NE Braille Pl
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
