Every nonprofit needs loyal volunteers to help it accomplish goals and objectives, but a multi-faceted 501(c)(3) like Helping People Succeed is especially reliant on the good will and hard work of a multitude of board members, foundation members, friends and volunteers.
That’s one reason why the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is always a cause for celebration.
The Language & Literacy Connection is one of those collaborations at which Martin County excels.
Spearheaded by Helping People Succeed, the program is funded by The Community Foundation of Martin & St. Lucie Counties, Children’s Services Council of Martin County, United Way of Martin County and PNC “Grow up Great”.
Its mission is to increase early language and literacy in Martin County through education and a community-wide network of support for families.
Recently, about 350 people got comfy in their jammies and headed to Helping People Succeed’s offices in Jensen Beach for the Pajama Jam where local luminaries read to Martin County’s children aged newborn to five-years old.
Black and white with a splash of red was the theme of the event as Helping People Succeed unveiled the 2019 Art for Living Calendar at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club on November 17.
Calendar artists displayed their calendar art pieces, in addition to several other paintings for purchase during this popular event. On hand to meet guests and display their art were Kevin Hutchinson, Sue Ann Mosley, Marian Vitale, Dan Mackin, Pam Patterson, Kathy Pitts, Val Lally, Ginny Jones, Susan Clifford, Mary Lou Knox, Laura DeBerard, Diane Raymond and Carol Baehren-Landeweer.
Thanks to a remarkable man, Bill Lichtenberger, the local community is invited to Helping People Succeed’s 5th Annual Pinot & Picasso evening reception and dinner, featuring our incredible artists and the unveiling of the 2019 Art for Living Calendar. The theme of the event is black and white with a “splash” of red.
Helping People Succeed is coordinating a month-long “Baby Shower,” during the month of April asking for “baby necessities” to be collected for families in need.
“April Shower” boxes will be placed in businesses throughout Martin County and will be collecting infant-type items such as developmental toys, baby clothing, rattles, books, diapers and wipes.
On the evening of November 18th – the office of Helping People Succeed was transformed into a gallery of art unveiling its annual event Pinot & Picasso. The featured artists were those who were selected for the 2018 Art for Living Calendar.
Graciously hosted by Bill Lichtenberger – the event raised more than $80,000. In addition to fine wine, festive food stations in a “speak easy” atmosphere, there was a special performance given by Alexandria Paxton. Alexandria, now age 12, is a rising star in the music world. She played and sung the song “Daddy’s Girl”. Alexandria and her family were introduced to Helping People Succeed in “Play Groups” that Alexandria participated in when she was a toddler.
An original James Gibson painting, donated by Joan Jefferson, fetched $2,900.00 in the Live Auction and Erich Lichtenberger was the winner of the “hole-in-one” contest which landed him two VIP tickets to the Honda Classic.
Art work was sold at the event to benefit Helping People Succeed by the 2018 Art for Living Calendar artists. Present were Kelly Arnold, Sue Ann Mosley-Saleeby, Marian Vitale, Chris Kling, Dan Mackin, Pam Patterson, Kathy Pitts, Val Lally, Susan Roberts, Ginny Jones, Jillane Heveron, Karen Leffel-Massengill and Susan Fowler.
Helping People Succeed is featured in Stuart Magazine.
To read the article, please click here.
It’s that time of year when Helping People Succeed distributes its popular Art for Living Calendars, available for residents and guests at local business outlets, including Barnes & Noble Book Store in Jensen Beach. The calendars are $20 each, with this year’s art work designed by 13 local artists.
The following artists will be on hand for the calendar signing at Barnes & Noble between 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 10 at Jensen Beach. On hand will be: Kelly Arnold, Chris Kling, Sue Ann Mosely Saleeby, Karen Leffel-Massengill, Pam Patterson, Val Lally, Dan Mackin, Kathy Pitts, Susan Roberts, Ginny Jones, Jillane Heveron, Marian Vitale, and Susan Fowler.
Thanks to Helping People Succeed’s Baby Steps program and their expertise in baby calming techniques, parents are learning ways to comfort their babies resulting in reduced stress during the often challenging newborn stage. It’s all part of the Happiest Baby Program offered by Helping People Succeed for the last 10 years.
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.
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!
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Helping People Succeed |
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Tel: 772.320.0770 |
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*The Florida Department of Children and Families. Partially funded by the Martin County School District.