The Patterson Foundation’s DeSoto Digest Newsletter strives to educate and engage while sharing the work of TPF initiatives and ways residents can participate. We each have a role in forging a positive future! | |
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS EDITION | |
- Catalytic Community Guide Spotlight: Marla Smith, The Patterson Foundation Engagement Team
- The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Honors Its 2024 Selby Scholars
- Education and Voting in DeSoto County
- THIS BOOK IS COOL! Webisode Features Arcadia Garden Club President Maria Pace
- The Patterson Foundation's Nonprofit Internship Program
- Community News Alert
- United Way Suncoast’s Two New Nonprofit Opportunities: Results Team Program (Application due July 31) & ACE Grant (Application due Sep. 1)
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Engaging the Community
in Conversations
By Cheri Coryea
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When 2024 started, we knew it would be a year of possibilities, aspirations, and action for DeSoto County. The Patterson Foundation (TPF) began engaging with The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation on the DeSoto County initiative to catalyze community-led change. Throughout the year, we engaged in a series of conversations with people, organizations, and communities in DeSoto County. Learn more about these series of conversations to make people feel seen and heard.
On July 31st and August 1st, the culmination of the work done in the spring will result in the announcement and sharing of a Public Capital Report. Roundtables focused on discussing the report and its observations will held, and you are encouraged to sign up to attend a roundtable here.
On the evening of August 1st, Rich Harwood will deliver the message from the Public Capital Report to a community gathering. Sign up to attend the keynote event here.
For more information or help registering, contact Cheri Coryea at ccoryea@thepattersonfoundation.org or text/call (941) 713-3899.
| DeSoto Catalytic Community Guide Program — Unleashing the potential of their community |  | |
As part of The Patterson Foundation's work in DeSoto County, The Harwood Institute's Catalytic Community Guide (CCG) Program is an intensive initiative for community members aiming to create lasting change using the Harwood approach. CCGs are local leaders trained to help the community adopt a mindset and practice that encourages proactive action.
This month, we're spotlighting Marla Smith, an Engagement Team member supporting various initiatives at The Patterson Foundation, including the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Digital Access for All's The Gap, and Aspirations to Actions. When asked about the impact of this project on DeSoto County residents, Marla said, "Twelve virtual labs with people participating from all over the United States have changed my thoughts and the future of our community. The Harwood Institute's team used the Catalytic Guide to teach me how to lead our community by recognizing and engaging, diagnosing what is happening, doing what makes sense to us, and holding ourselves accountable. Read the full blog here to hear more of Marla's thoughts!
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As we approach Election Day, we wanted to take a moment to remind you of the importance of participating in our democratic process. Your vote is your voice, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our community, state, and nation. The Primary Election is on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, and the General Election is on Tuesday, November 25, 2024.
Here are a few key points to remember:
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Know Your Ballot: Educate yourself about the candidates and issues on the ballot. Many resources are available. Check out Vote411 for more information, or call 863-993-4871.
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Early Voting and Mail-in Ballots: Did you know Florida’s voting laws, specifically about vote-by-mail ballots, have changed? Under the new law, voters requesting a vote-by-mail ballot must do so after every election cycle. This means that every voter who requested a vote-by-mail ballot before November 8, 2022, must reapply if they wish to receive their mail ballots for the upcoming primaries and the 2024 general election. If you cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, consider early voting or requesting a mail-in ballot by 8/8/24. Check the deadlines and procedures for DeSoto County here or call 863-993-4871.
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Election Day Logistics: Plan your visit to the polling place. Polls are typically open from 7 AM to 7 PM, but it’s a good idea to check the exact hours for your location in your county. Use the Precinct Finder tool or call 863-993-4871. Important reminder: As long as you are in line before the polls close, you have the right to vote.
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Encourage Others: Remind your friends and family to vote. Every vote counts, and collective participation strengthens our democracy.
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Share your DeSoto
Pictures With Us!
| Examine our Community’s Well-being Using the Community Indicators Dashboard | The Community Indicator Dashboard offers quantified data about the communities through lenses such as quality of life, sustainability, or health. Information on the dashboard comes from trusted, credible sources that collect data using conventional methods. Education indicators play a crucial role in assessing and understanding the state of education within a community. These indicators provide valuable information and insights into various aspects of education, which can be used to measure progress, identify areas for improvement, and inform policy and decision-making processes. | |  |
Celebrating DeSoto’s Seven New Catalytic Community Guides | On Monday, June 17, 2024, The Patterson Foundation's (TPF) Aspirations to Actions team celebrated the first seven new Catalytic Community Guides targeted in DeSoto County. The guides recently completed the 12-week intensive Harwood Institute Catalytic Community Guide (CCG) Program. Jennifer Bowser, Ashley Coone, Hope Cross, Carrie Fuller, Melissa Hirstein, Amanda Reuter, and Marla Smith reflected on how they are already using the tools and skills learned in the course to strengthen and catalyze the TPF DeSoto County Ahead initiative and The Harwood Institute's efforts to foster community-led change in DeSoto County. To learn more about these efforts, read Sherry Oehler's blog, Celebrating DeSoto County Catalytic Community Guides! | The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Honors Its 2024 Selby Scholars |  | |
“This year's students are as impressive as ever with their range of aspirations and achievements--and with their focus on using education for good.” – Susie Bowie, President & CEO, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation
The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of young people and the operations of hundreds of charitable organizations. Bill and Marie Selby believed in supporting local students with limited financial means in pursuing higher education to achieve meaningful careers and contribute to their community. Today, Selby Scholars are undergraduate students of exceptional potential who embody Bill and Marie's values of leadership and service. These awards are renewable, contingent upon specific requirements, for the duration of the student's full-time enrollment at an accredited college or university.
The Selby Foundation's board, staff, and volunteers honored its 2024 Selby Scholars in May. Four Selby Scholars are from DeSoto County:
- Efrain Perez (Aerospace at the State College of Florida),
- Daniela Gaytan (Accounting at the University of South Florid,
- Daisy Garcia (Nursing at South Florida State College), and
- Harley Cross (Communications and International Business at Warner University)
Congratulations to the 2024 Selby Scholars, who are making communities better for everyone!
| Sharing The 2024 Superintendent's Report | |
"Our collective efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued growth, innovation, and excellence in education. Together, we will continue to nurture a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring that every student in our district has the opportunity to thrive and succeed." — Excerpt from Dr. Bobby Bennett's Community Message, Superintendent of Schools
In the Spring 2024 Superintendent's Report, Superintendent Dr. Boddy Bennett shared some news and updates:
New DeSoto High School: DeSoto High School is embarking on constructing a brand-new facility. This state-of-the-art school will feature a new auditorium, a Career and Technical Education Department, and enhanced athletics facilities. It is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2026.
Increased Pay for DeSoto Educators: They have increased DeSoto County teacher pay to position their educators within the top 50% of Florida. The starting teacher salary for teachers in 2024–2025 will be $50,000.
Strategic Plan Update: They have updated the K-2 reading curriculum guides to align more closely with evidence-based practices in literacy instruction and enhanced their resources and materials.
Read the full Superintendent report for more information!
| Education Community Spotlight: Supporting Education and Student Success in DeSoto County | |
From 2022–2023, The Patterson Foundation’s Aspirations to Actions initiative worked alongside the people of DeSoto County, providing space for purposeful engagement, building trust, and strengthening connective tissue. A total of 20 community conversations occurred in Arcadia and DeSoto counties, reaching 427 people. These conversations led to eight community themes—two of which focused on education. These two themes support an advanced focus on education enhancement and reconnecting with students, parents, teachers, and administration for education support.
This month, we’re spotlighting Links2Success and the DeSoto County Education Foundation! Read more about these two organizations by reading their blogs:
- Exciting New Additions and Expansions at Links2Success By Ashley Coone
- Empowering Education in DeSoto County: Welcoming New Leadership by DeSoto County Education Foundation
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The Patterson Foundation's Nonprofit Internship Program Strengthens Students and Nonprofits | |
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Through a collaboration with the Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, The Patterson Foundation's (TPF) Nonprofit Internship Program connects students at the school with opportunities at nonprofits in the Suncoast region. Students gain priceless experience and insight into nonprofit work, and nonprofits gain valuable completed projects from students. TPF serves as a guide and funds the internship by providing a $4,000 stipend to the nonprofit partner to cover the cost of the intern's salary ($20/hr for 150 hrs) and onboarding fees. TPF will hold info sessions in late July.
To learn more, email Kiarra Louis klouis@thepattersonfoundation.org and Ericia Henry ehenry@thepattersonfoundation.org
In the meantime, we encourage you to review these two blogs, which share the impact internships have on both a student and an organization: The Perfect Fit! by Gary Butler, Military Heritage Museum, and Growing the Roots of a Nonprofit by Kimberly Hestermann, IU student.
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You’re Invited: Digital Access for All Symposium—Suncoast Connect: Innovating and Thriving in the Digital Age on October 15 and 16
In celebration of the 4th year of the Digital Access for All initiative, TPF is hosting the Digital Access for All Symposium, Suncoast Connect: Innovating and Thriving in the Digital Age, on October 15 and 16 in Sarasota, Florida. Day one will feature a special keynote presentation and dinner. Day two, October 16, 2024, will be a full-day symposium for anyone interested in digital access work. The symposium will be held at The Ora (578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232).
For more information, contact the Digital Access for All team or call 941-952-1413.
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THIS BOOK IS COOL! Webisode Features
Arcadia Garden Club
President Maria Pace
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THIS BOOK IS COOL! is a series of 100 webisodes to encourage a love of reading. Registration is now closed, but if you still want to participate, check out books in the 2024 Book Guide from your local library and follow along in the Webisode Library. A recent episode, designed for incoming first graders, featured the book The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. Incoming first-grade children and the special adults in their lives will enjoy learning about this book with host Beth Duda and special guest Arcadia Garden Club President Maria Pace. Watch it here.
Did you Know? 288 students in DeSoto County are participating in TBIC.
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Video Highlights of Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2024 | Suncoast Remake Learning Days (SRLD) 2024, the exciting, 15-day free, regional learning festival, was held from April 20 to May 4 in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Watch the video highlights SRLD in DeSoto here, or watch a video highlight of SRLD in all four counties here. | | |
The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) in DeSoto County | |
On Saturday, June 8, Beth Duda and SCGLR Engagement Team members traveled to Arcadia for a Pop-Up Neighbor Through Laundry event. Thanks to the generosity of The Patterson Foundation, 778 families washed 934 loads of laundry for free.
Participating partner organizations included MCR Health, First 1,000 Days Suncoast, United Way Suncoast, All Faiths Food Bank, and Digital Access for All, with Sandra Vega-Picchietti and Clara Alvarez representing The Gap initiative. Celebrity readers included retired Superintendent of Schools Adrian Cline and the reigning Watermelon Queen.
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The first churches in DeSoto County were often established as “union churches,” meaning they served both Methodist and Baptist congregations? In her memories of Mt. Zion AME Church, Ms. Venzuela Tillis Jones said, “One week, we were Methodists, and the next week, we were Baptists!
— Provided by Carol Mahler, Coordinator of DeSoto County Historical Society's Museum and Research Library
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Volunteer Opportunities for DeSoto County Residents | |
Volunteering in DeSoto County is a fulfilling way to contribute to the community and make a difference in the lives of its residents. The county offers numerous opportunities for individuals to get involved. Whether you're interested in a long-term commitment or short-term projects, there are many ways to volunteer in DeSoto County. Here's a brief overview of their current volunteer needs:
DeSoto Memorial Hospital: Join the Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers (HAVs) who lend a hand wherever help is needed. They do everything from assisting the hospital departments to making stuffed Hug-A-Bears for young patients. The HAVs operate the gift shop and are active throughout the year with fund-raising activities that benefit patient-care programs at the hospital. To learn more, call 863-494-3535.
DeSoto Cares Homeless Services: As a volunteer-driven organization, they rely on the support of community members to make a difference in the lives of homeless individuals in DeSoto County. They welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and skill levels to assist with various tasks at the Service Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. To learn more, call 863-491-9933
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County: Become a Scholarship Committee Volunteer and review scholarship applications, which allows them to determine their scholarship awards each year. This virtual opportunity allows you to give back and review applications in your own time within two weeks. To learn more, scholarships@cfsarasota.org.
Volunteering benefits the community and provides personal rewards, such as gaining new skills, meeting new people, and experiencing the satisfaction of helping others. Your time and effort can make a significant impact, fostering a stronger, more connected community.
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- United Way Suncoast’s Two New Nonprofit Opportunities: These offerings support nonprofit organizations looking to grow their capacity and invest in innovation. Their goal is to recognize the passions of community partners while also providing the means to pursue them. Learn more here, or email communityinvestments@uwsuncoast.org with any questions or clarifications.
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Application due July 31—Results Team Program: Participants in the Results Team Program gain actionable tools and insights into defining, measuring, and communicating results effectively for themselves and their investors. Teams have reported improved program outcomes and increased revenue as a result of participating. Any nonprofit serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and/or DeSoto counties is eligible to apply.
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Application due September 1—ACE Grant: They are mobilizing dollars to spark innovation in the Suncoast. Nonprofits with an annual revenue below $2.1 million who are active in our communities of focus can apply for up to $20,000 to create Access, build Capacity, or ensure Equity for your organization and the people you serve. Organizations who apply after September 1 will be considered for the next round of awards scheduled for February 2025. Reach out to the team at communityinvestments@uwsuncoast.org for any questions, comments, or clarifications.
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