FISH, with partners Rotary International, GEM (Global Empowerment Mission) and Starbucks will distribute drywall to residents of Sanibel and Captiva on Tues., Jan. 31 at the St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church parking lot located at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Within hours of announcement, all 2000 sheets of drywall were reserved and FISH is now accepting waiting list reservations only. The event, secured through Executive Director Maria Espinoza’s connection as a community leader and Rotarian, is a representation of the agency’s disaster assistance programs. Read more

While the Food Pantry may look a little bit different in size and offerings, our intention remains the same -- to help those living or working on Sanibel and Captiva islands by providing nutritious supplemental grocery items to sustain food needs. Transition from our Food Pantry pre-hurricane to an Emergency Food Pantry post-hurricane has been an ongoing process, and we’re glad we are now able to store more products since our building has been remediated. Read more

We’ve launched a Food Box Program as a supplement to our Food Pantry! This program provides an assortment of fresh produce and Food Pantry items to islanders that are unable to visit our Sanibel site. We will provide an option for delivery, once weekly, to those who request it. Sign up is required. Read more

Continuing a popular service from the last several years, FISH will again host the United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program which offers free tax preparation assistance. Eligible households who must make $66,000 or less. Beginning Fri., Feb. 3, VITA will offer tax preparation service at the Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Road, from 10:00a-3:00p. Appointments are required. Read more

FISH, with the United Way Gifts-in-Kind Program, is distributing furniture through their Hurricane Ian Point of Distribution Program (POD). The program is available to Sanibel and Captiva Island residents and workforce. Read more

Barbara contacted us to request assistance in filling out her FEMA application as well as help with finding a new job. In a tearful call with Nitza Lopez, Social Services Director, Barbara breaks down about losing virtually everything – clothes, electronics, furnishings, food. “I know I should be grateful that I’m not hurt and have my good health, but I don’t even have a computer to apply for assistance and work, or clothes to wear for a job interview,” says Barbara. The rawness and vulnerability of those hardest hit by Ian’s wrath is heartbreaking. Read more

While FISH has not been able run their traditional food programs at full speed, the organization is working on re-establishing the Meals-by-FISH program by the middle to end of February, in addition to continuing immediate hurricane response services. Over the last few years, the Meals program doubled in size, mainly due to the COVID crisis, and now, in the wake of Hurricane Ian, proves to be a critical resource for islanders as many grocery stores and restaurants remain closed to work on repairs. Read more

Unfortunately, all medical equipment we had on hand was destroyed or lost as a result of Hurricane Ian. We are asking for your help to replace lost equipment for this vital program and can accept wheelchairs/transport wheelchairs; walkers; crutches (only in pairs); bedside commodes; bath chairs; canes; knee scooters and shower transfer chairs. Read more

Susan Ryckman, MSN, RN, CPNP - Susan joined Lee Health in 2012, and served as the VP of Operations and Chief Nurse Executive for Golisano Children’s Hospital of SW Florida until retiring in 2020. A Chicago area native, Susan is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who held a variety of clinical and leadership roles since completion of her undergraduate work in 1977 at Northern Illinois University. Read more

Jane Majeski - Jane Majeski and her husband Paul split their time between Sanibel and Demarest, NJ. Jane graduated with a BA in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University and was employed by Great West Assurance in Baltimore, MD marketing large group employee benefits and annuities. She transferred to the Great West North Jersey office where she worked until she joined forces with her husband at Music Trades, the leading trade magazine for the music industry since 1890. Read more

Nicole McHale - Nicole and her husband, retired attorney James T. McHale, have resided on Sanibel since 1995. Nicole was appointed to the FISH board in 2013 to complete an unfinished term, was Vice Chair for part of 2017 and Chair from 2017-2019. As Chair, she furthered the reach and network of FISH through her commitment to raising awareness of the organization. Read more

Sean Pierce brings over 25 years of accounting acumen to the F.I.S.H. team. His expertise includes both private sector and public accounting experience. Raised in a military family, Sean lived on many Air Force bases around the world, with roots planted in the Florida Panhandle. An Alumni of Florida State University, he received a BS in Finance and has overseen many unique projects in accounting services, consultations, and tax preparations. Read more

Welcome 2023! While the last quarter of 2022 was nothing anyone expected, FISH has continued to serve our island communities in ways we never imagined! Thank you to all of our supporters, volunteers, partners and advocates for always being there for us and for allowing our team to do what we do best -- enrich the lives of all people in Sanibel and Captiva Islands by neighbors helping neighbors with social services, education and assistance. We hope you’ll enjoy the following photos highlighting our services and celebrations during the last quarter of 2022.