The Success Connection

Welcome to fall!  Here at Helping People Succeed, this is the “busy season”!  We are entering new contract years for many of our programs and grants, we are closing out the former contract year, it’s our big event and fundraising season, and we are wrapping up the creation of our next Strategic Plan by the end of 2025!

While that sounds like a lot, I am so energized for every part, big or small, because of the team I have around me proving that truly “many hands make light work”.  That includes our amazing staff team, our Board members, our program participants, our partners and volunteers, and our funders.  Together, we are making transformative impact across the Treasure Coast every single day.  You will read about much of that impact in this edition.  I hope it leaves you inspired, optimistic, and wanting to continue to be a part of our “many hands”.

If you haven’t bought your ticket yet for Pinot and Picasso on November 22, I hope you will consider joining us.  I’d love to see you and give you the opportunity to learn more about our work in service to helping everyone to succeed!

Sincerely,

Kara Stimpson, CEO

Therapists don’t always get to see the long-term impact of their work—but every so often, something special happens. That’s exactly what happened to Christine Murphy, a longtime therapist known for her warmth, empathy, and genuine care for her clients. She recently received a message from a former client that stopped her in her tracks—and reminded her just how far a little support can go.

It came from a former client—a young woman Christine had worked with many years ago, when the client was just 13. The message read:

In just a few lines, the message captured something profound: the lasting imprint a therapist can leave on a life—and how that impact can echo forward into new beginnings.

To now see that young woman stepping into her own role as a therapist, opening her own office, and remembering the influence that guided her—it’s a full-circle moment that speaks volumes.

As the young woman prepares to welcome clients into her newly reopened office, Christine’s legacy of empathy and connection continues—quietly woven into every conversation, every breakthrough, and every healing moment that unfolds in that new space.

It’s a reminder to all of us: When we show up for others with compassion, we plant seeds that can grow far beyond what we’ll ever see.

In August 2021, 19-year-old Anayeli joined Healthy Families Martin-Okeechobee just two months after giving birth to her first child. As a single mom living in an overcrowded home with her parents and siblings, she faced numerous challenges—unemployment, limited education, and no support from the baby’s father. Despite these obstacles, Anayeli welcomed her home visitor, Amparo, with open arms and a strong desire to learn and grow. Amparo became a trusted guide, helping Anayeli navigate the unfamiliar world of parenting.

Through consistent encouragement and a wide range of referrals—including medical care, food and diaper pantries, legal aid, parenting programs, and English classes—Anayeli embraced every opportunity. Her dedication led to improved health, including dental care that restored her smile, and access to early learning programs for her daughter.

As Anayeli began working part-time, she realized the financial strain of childcare. With Amparo’s guidance, she enrolled her daughter in daycare and Head Start and HIPPY, allowing her to continue working and pursue her goals. When stress from her living situation grew, Amparo connected her with mental health support and housing resources. Anayeli took a bold step toward independence, purchasing and renovating a trailer, which she now owns outright thanks to smart financial decisions.

With Amparo’s continued support, Anayeli achieved major milestones: she learned to drive, bought a car, secured full-time work, and continues to attend English classes. Even after graduating from the program in November 2024, she remains connected to Amparo, proudly sharing her daughter’s developmental milestones and her own continued progress.

Anayeli’s story is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of Healthy Families programming—empowering parents with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive.

Discover What’s Happening in Baby Steps This October!

Our Baby Steps Program is packed with fun, enriching activities for you and your little one every month, and September is no exception! From creative play to developmental milestones, there’s something for everyone.

Be sure to check out Ms. Paula’s schedule to see what’s in store. You won’t want to miss the opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with other families in our community! 

For more information on Music & Movement with Ms. Paula call: 772-529-5075

For more information on playgroups reach out to Ms. Klaudia at: 772-237-1268

Last month participants of the Community Connections Program spent the day at SeaWorld. They rode rollercoasters, visited with the animals and learned about conservation. Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible!

This month, we celebrate the vital contributions of individuals with disabilities—including those with mental health conditions and non-visible disabilities—to our workforce and economy.

Helping People Succeed has championed inclusive employment since the 1980s, helping individuals with disabilities find and thrive in competitive, integrated jobs.

Partner with Us to Build Inclusive Workplaces
Businesses in Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee Counties can make a difference by offering employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Benefits include:

Access to a skilled, loyal, and diverse workforce

A stronger culture of inclusion and innovation

Positive community impact

Let’s create pathways to success—together.
Contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities and workplace support.

Hey! I'm Candice Tedesco, your new Youth Development Program Manager and I’m so excited to be joining Helping People Succeed and to step into a role that combines my passion for supporting youth and families with the amazing work already happening here.  I’ll be overseeing programs like WRAP (Whole-family Resilience and Academic Pathways) at Dale Cassens, Helping Kids Succeed, Career Camp, and Camp Success — all focused on giving kids opportunities to grow, learn, and build brighter futures.  What excites me most is the chance to partner with our schools, families, and communities across St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee to make these programs thrive.  I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone, learning from your experiences, and working together to keep making a difference for the families we serve.

Help us make a difference, your presence matters.

The silent auction will have a little something for everyone and the live auction, led by auctioneer Reed Hartman, will give guests an opportunity to bid on not one but two getaways, and a day charter to Jupiter, plus many more.

The first is a 7-night, 8-day retreat in Eatonton, Georgia, generously donated by Mark and Alison Palombi. Nestled in a secluded sanctuary along the shores of Lake Oconee, this luxurious home features 5 bedrooms, 14 beds, and 4.5 baths.

The second getaway is a 7-night, 8-day stay at Sunset Beech in Boone, North Carolina, donated by Tulio and Stephanie Quirantes. This spacious mountain retreat accommodates up to 18 guests with 7 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. This destination combines relaxation and recreation in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Rounding out the highlighted live-auction list is a luxury day charter aboard a private 43’ Hatteras Yacht, donated by Onward and Upward Events owners Captain Phil Snodgrass and Amy Cimber-Snodgrass. This charter experience includes a gourmet lunch, fruit platter, French champagne, and sparkling waters. Catch the sunset on an unforgettable day on the water.

Tickets are only $250 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

The mission of Helping People Succeed, which has been improving lives on the Treasure Coast for 61 years, is to transform lives by realizing potential, creating hope and building futures through education, counseling, training and employment.

We hope you will join us as we bring the island vibes and drive change for all the impactful programming Helping People Succeed offers in Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee Counties.

For more information, contact Glenna Parris at 772.320.0778 or gparris@hpsfl.org or visit www.hpsfl.org.

Did you know that every Art for Living Calendar sold directly supports Helping People Succeed’s programming across Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee Counties? Your purchase helps fund vital services that make a lasting impact in our communities.

Corporate options: 

Vendor needs and highlights: 

Every calendar sold helps us further our mission, and we couldn’t do it without your support!

We’re excited to bring you monthly updates on all the incredible work happening at Helping People Succeed through our newsletter, The Success Connection. From program highlights and community partnerships to upcoming events and inspiring stories, each issue is designed to keep you informed and engaged.

Check your inbox on the first Monday of every month for the latest news. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media to stay connected and support our mission.

Thank you for reading the first edition of The Success Connection!

Contact Us:

Helping People Succeed

1601 Success Drive

Jensen Beach, FL 34957

Phone: 772-320-0770

Email: info@hpsfl.org

"Helping People Succeed transforms lives by realizing potential, creating hope, and building futures through education, counseling, training, and employment."

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