Second Heart Homes expands to Manatee County with seventh home, thanks to $300,000 Barancik grant


Sarasota artist Brandon Thrift volunteered to paint a positive vibes mural for Second Heart Homes' new Bradenton home. The artist is known for his colorful "Spread Love" murals about town.

Second Heart Homes bought a home in Bradenton June 9, expanding its program to Manatee County and its overall capacity to serve 43 men and women. The timing of the expansion comes as homelessness is up 25 percent in Manatee County since September, with more than 65 percent of those homeless for the first time. The purchase was enabled by a $300,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. Other community leaders including Premier Sotheby's International Realty, UNI Together, and Art Avenue helped with the purchase. "Second Heart Homes has shown that its housing-first approach has helped many rebuild their lives while supporting effective mental health outcomes,” said Teri Hansen, president and CEO of Barancik Foundation. “They have made a positive mark in Sarasota, and we’re eager to see their impact on Manatee County."

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Megan Howell, executive director of Second Heart Homes (second from left) celebrates with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty team members Emilie Sebion, Craig Cerreta and Tamara Currey, who helped facilitate the Bradenton home purchase.

New partnership with All Faiths Food Bank provides food security for clients


Second Heart Homes has entered into a formal partnership with All Faiths Food Bank to provide a food security program for its clients.  


"We're beyond grateful for All Faiths' generous support," said Megan Howell, founder and executive director of Second Heart Homes.


"The risks for malnutrition and nutrition-related health problems are high for homeless people and continue to be so even after they enter our program until they relearn self-care.


This new program will provide consistent access to fresh, nutritional food for a more balanced diet. Our clients cook their own meals and will love the inspiration that wider varieties of produce, meat, dairy and other ingredients will provide," Howell said.


All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. All Faiths has been a Certified Member of the Feeding America network since 1990. The nonprofit provides millions of meals each year through robust programs and partnerships with hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the community.



Dependable volunteers needed for our new food security program


Help directly meet the nutritional needs of our men and women! We're looking for reliable volunteers who can routinely drive their own vehicles to pick up boxes of food from All Faiths Food Bank and deliver them to Second Heart Homes. Related duties as needed. Training will be provided.


Serious inquiries to:

Athyna Smith, Director of Operations

Athyna.Smith@secondhearthomes.org

941-577-6572

Wanted: volunteer barber


We urgently need a volunteer barber to come to our Second Heart Homes houses once a month or so to cut our men's hair and beards. (The DIY method is not working!)


Contact :

Athyna Smith, Director of Operations

Athyna.Smith@secondhearthomes.org

941-577-6572

Using ice cream to change the world: 

Ben & Jerry's helps Second Heart Homes

raise awareness and funds 

A new partnership with Ben & Jerry's is satisfying sweet tooths and melting hearts in big ways. Events like the recent Free Cones for Second Heart Homes at the creamery's SRQ shop (where 1,125 cones were scooped up in two hours!) and a shared pop-up booth at the Sarasota Farmer's Market in April has helped the nonprofit spread awareness, educate the community and raise funds. The new partnership also led to Second Heart Homes winning the  tCommunity Foundation of Sarasota County's Giving Challenge 2022 award for best new business relationship. 


"Ben & Jerry's mission to advance human rights and dignity, and support social and economic justice, complements our mission perfectly," said Megan Howell, founder and executive director for Second Heart Homes.


"It's been a real treat working with the Ben & Jerry's team, and we're so thankful for their support," she said.


"They're always creating something special to bring people together. We can't wait to see what they'll be dishing up next."

 

Seacoast Bank makes a big splash


Second Heart Homes recently received a $2,650 donation from Seacoast Bank (formerly Sabal Palm Bank) to support its mission. While the bank's name may have changed, the team there remains committed to helping people improve their lives and communities through the support of local nonprofits like Second Heart Homes. We're so thankful to our new friends!

Thank you for your generous heart!

More info and to give
Donate via Flanzer Trust
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For group presentations and to stay in touch:

Megan Howell

megan@secondhearthomes.org

941-201-9353

www.secondhearthomes.org


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A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA) within the state or visiting www.800helpfla.com. License# CH60902