Helping People Succeed recently held its Annual Meeting at the nonprofit’s Jensen Beach headquarters.

Much ground was covered as the success of programs and outreach were discussed, as well as the “changing of the guard” with this year’s board officers being sworn in, the announcing of new board members and recognition given to those who were instrumental in contributing to Helping People Succeed’s banner year.

In spite of Covid, the staff never missed a beat – they were flexible and responsive to the unique needs of the families served with such great care.

One of the highlights of the season was a three-day visit by Jennifer Ohlsen, Executive Director for Healthy Families Florida to Helping People Succeed in December for a Listening and Learning Tour, the primary purpose of which was to hear staff concerns with an eye towards finding helpful solutions while recognizing and thanking them for the incredible work they do with the families they serve.

A new Operating Board was sworn in with three new members welcomed.

Officers:

• Chair - Jenny Yingling
• Vice Chair - Mike Borlaug
• Secretary – Heidi Bosley
• Treasurer - Candy Abbott

 Members:

• Tom Campenni
• Allen Herskowitz
• Bonney Johnson
• Rosie Portera
• Leah Suarez

The following are new members to the Board of Directors: Candice (Candie) Abbott is Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Chief Financial Officer. She has previously served on the Helping People Succeed board and is currently a member of the Finance Committee.

Thomas (Tom) Campenni is a retired commercial realtor and business owner and is currently licensed in Florida and New York. He is a former Stuart City Commissioner and 3-time Florida League of Cities “Hometown Hero” winner. He is a member of Helping People Succeed’s Facilities Committee and has been instrumental in generating new opportunities for the nonprofit in St. Lucie County.

Leah Suarez is founder and CEO of Our Village Okeechobee, Inc., which gives families a hand up, not a hand out by providing comprehensive spiritual, cultural, social, health and education experience in the community. Helping People Succeed’s Healthy Families program works closely with Our Village.

A new Helping People Succeed Foundation Board was also sworn in and, it too, has three new members.

 Officers

• Chair - Mary Rose Bressman
• Vice Chair -Claire Nash
• Secretary -Lee Borellis
• Treasurer - Dale Forbes

Members

• Bonney Johnson
• Beth Prinz
• Stacy Ranieri
• Jessica Roberts
• Kathryn Strauss
• Marian Vitale

The following are new members to the Foundation Board: Jessica Roberts is a mother of six - her youngest is going to college in the fall. She has many years of volunteering in the Martin County School System. Jessica is an established yoga instructor and understands the need to raise awareness for Helping People Succeed – specifically in the mental health arena.

Kathryn Strauss moved to Stuart in 1976 when her dad became the pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church. She worked at JD Parker and Crystal Lake Elementary as a literacy coach until 2016. Kathryn is now a stay-at-home mom to one kitten and looks forward to volunteering with Helping People Succeed, especially with children and families.

Marian Vitale grew up in a creative household in Staten Island, New York.  She was the first person in her family to graduate from college and is now retired and spends her time doting on her three grown children and eight grandchildren. Marian has already been a volunteer and a supporting artist of Helping People Succeed for many years.