In the News

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.

From the beauty of beach scenes and birds to the Old Colorado Inn in downtown Stuart, Helping People Succeed’s 2016 Art for Living Calendar brought together more than 75 guests to enjoy the art work of 12 area artists featured in Helping People Succeed’s annual calendar.

The evening of art was hosted by Price Wealth Management and UBS Financial Services Inc., at their East Ocean Blvd. offices. On hand to greet UBS guests included Craig Price, Raymond Klahne, William John Gilcher, and Clifford Mandody.