Monday, Dec 29, 2025

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The information appearing in this email is for general informational purposes only. Reference to any product, service, event or program is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement by The Glades Initiative.

From our Team - We Wish You All a

Happy New Year!


The Glades Initiative office and Food Pantry will be CLOSED

Wed – Fri, 12/31/25 – 01/02/26.

Please include The Glades Initiative in you yearly giving. Every gift—big or small—helps us create real change.


Click here to learn how you can help!

~~~ This Week ~~~


Dec 29-31, 9 am - 4:30 pm - Holiday Food Box Giveaway at West County Senior Center, Belle Glade

Mon, Dec 29, 3-6 pm - The Glades Initiative Food Pantry of CHOICE, Open to Anyone

Tue, Dec 30, 8:30-11:30 am, 1-5 pm - The Glades Initiative Food Pantry, CHOICE, Open to Anyone

Wed-Fri, Dec 31 - Jan 2 - The Glades Initiative Food Pantry and Office CLOSED

Mon-Thu, Jan 5-8, 10 am - FREE Digital Skills Training Classes Begin - Register Now!, Belle Glade

Glades Area Events

The Glades Initiative FOOD Pantry Holiday Hours 


Food Pantry hours for 12/29/25 – 1/02/26: 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

12/29


CHOICE Food

Pantry Open


3 pm – 6 pm

12/30


CHOICE Food

Pantry Open


8:30-11:30 am

1 pm – 5pm


Car line

4 pm – 5 pm

12/31


Office

CLOSED

1/01


Office

CLOSED

1/02


Office

CLOSED

WHERE: The Glades Initiative, 149 SE Avenue D, Belle Glade, FL 33430

CONTACT: 561-996-3310


Click here to learn more

Holiday Food Box Giveaway at West County Senior Center


This holiday season, Palm Beach County Senior centers will be having food box giveaways filled with non-perishable items for SNAP recipients! Please see flyer for more information and eligibility.


WHEN: Dec 29 - Dec 31, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. OR until supplies last

WHERE: West County Senior Center, 2916 State Road #15, Belle Glade, FL 33430

CONTACT: For more information, please call 561-992-1048



Click here to learn more

Need Help with Navigating Computers? Register for FREE Digital Skills Training


In partnership with Comcast, CareerSource Palm Beach County and TDM Technologies International are offering FREE digital skills training! It's perfect for friends or family who want help with email, resumes, online job applications, or preparing for virtual interviews.


WHEN: Mon-Thu, Jan 5-8, Feb 2-5, & Mar 2-5, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: West Career Center 1085 S Main St, Belle Glade, FL 33430

CONTACT: To register, please call 561.829.2040 ext. 2621 or visit the West Career Center.


Click here to learn more

Check this out if you missed it! Our President & CEO, Karis Engle, joined Top of Mind Florida, alongside hosts Brian Crowley and Michael Williams, to discuss hunger and food security in the Glades area and Palm Beach County.

Join the 41st Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest


Save the date! The 41st Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Rosenwald Elementary School.


WHEN: Thursday, Jan 8, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Rosenwald Elementary School, 1321 Martin L. King Jr. Blvd., South Bay, FL 33493

CONTACT: To register, please call 561-993-8902.


Click here to learn more

OEO Announces Requests for Proposals for Legal Services for Housing Discrimination Cases


The Office of Equal Opportunity is seeking proposals from legal firm(s), whose staff attorneys who can provide legal representation for individuals who have filed complaints of housing discrimination.


DEADLINE: Friday, January 9, 2026, 4:00 p.m.


Click here to learn more

Join the MCA Total Experience Youth Collective!


Join for a FREE one-day outdoor adventure designed to inspire, educate, and empower youth through nature, leadership, and community.


WHEN: Saturday, Jan 10, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, 10216 Lee Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33473


Click here to learn more

Click here to register

Community Seed, Seedling, and Plant Exchange at the Belle Glade Library


Bring cuttings, seeds, seedlings and plants that you would like to trade to this monthly exchange.


WHEN: Saturdays, Jan 10 and Feb 14, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Belle Glade Library, 725 NW 4th St, Belle Glade FL 33430


Click here to learn more

Creative Writing Hour at South Bay Library


Creative Writing Hour is open to everyone of all skill levels. Participants are welcome to collaborate and share their works.


WHEN: Mondays, Jan 12 & 26 and Feb 9 & 23, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Clarence E. Anthony Branch, 375 SW 2nd Avenue, South Bay FL 33493


Click here to learn more

CPSFL Presents: Virtual Heirs’ Property Rights Information Session


Learn about Free Legal Help for Homeowners in Palm Beach County. Services include wills, power of attorney, health care directives, and Lady Bird deeds, and more.


WHEN: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Virtual

CONTACT: For questions, please call 561) 713-7723 oemail trose@cpsfl.org



Click here to learn more

Click here to register

The City of South Bay Presents: Bay Fest


Get ready for a full day of nonstop excitement, fun, and community vibes at Bay Fest 2026, an event for all ages you don't want to miss.


WHEN: Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Tanner Park, 105 Palm Beach Road, South Bay, Florida 33493

CONTACT: For more information, please contact City Hall at 561-996-6751


Click here to learn more

Resources

2024 Glades Area Resource Guide Is Now Available


The 2024 Glades Area Resource Guide is now available online! You can access the digital copy by visiting our website at gladesinitiative.org or by clicking on the link below.


Distribution of the printed copies will be available in limited quantities next week and then more in early July. Stay tuned for more information.


2024 Glades Area Resource Guide

Learn About The Glades Initiative's Services!


Are you in need of emergency food assistance, or help navigation service applications? Are you a senior who needs additional support or someone who needs helps accessing women's health services? We offer these and many other services at The Glades Initiative! Click below to learn more! 


Navigation Services (English/Creole)

Navigation Services (English/Spanish)

Senior Support Program (English/Spanish)

Food Pantry Services

Level II Background Screenings


CONTACT: For more information, call The Glades Initiative at 561-996-3310

Farmworkers, Do You Need Help with Rental and Utilities Assistance? Centro Campesino May Be Able to Help!


Upon meeting eligibility requirements, farmworkers will be eligible to receive emergency rental and utilities assistance, as well as housing move-in costs. Check out the flyers attached below for eligibility.


CONTACT: For more information, please contact Franklin Baquero at 786-671-2428 or f.avila@ccfcfl.org


Click here to learn more (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole)

The Department of Housing and Economic Development Presents: Housing Assistance Programs 2025-2026


Check out the attached presentation below for important information and insights regarding Palm Beach County’s upcoming and ongoing Housing Assistance Programs for 2025 and 2026. Funding and eligibility vary among the program, please read carefully.


CONTACT: For more information, please contact HEDverify@pbc.gov or call 561-233-3600.


Click here to learn more

Glades Area Business Owners, Learn About County Resources and Funding Opportunities Available


The Office of Small Business Development provided information and answered questions about resources and funding opportunities available for new and existing businesses in the Glades area at the previous Glades Technical Advisory Meeting. This includes guidance for start-ups, support for existing businesses, and partnership opportunities to help you grow and attract more customers. See below for more information.

 

Click here to learn more

Are You a Struggling Senior? CILO May be Able to Help!


The Coalition for Independent Living Options is now accepting applications from seniors, 60 years or older with a disability, for assistance in paying past due mortgage payments, HOA fees, medically necessary expenses not covered by insurance, copay/deductible causing financial hardship, move in costs, and/or past due rent and utilities. Check out the attached flyer to see eligibility requirements.


CONTACT: For more information or to see if you qualify, please contact financialassistance@cilo.org


Click here to learn more

Click here for additional resources from the Area Agency on Aging

Palm Beach Residents, You May be Eligible for a FREE WeightWatchers® Membership for up to One Year!


The Florida Department of Health is expanding its commitment to helping residents live healthier lives through its Healthier You initiative. As part of this mission, the Department has launched a new effort focused on chronic disease prevention, providing eligible residents of Leon, Hillsborough, and Palm Beach counties with a fully funded WeightWatchers® membership for up to one full year.


CONTACT: Check out if you're eligible here: Healthier YOU


Click here to learn more

Food Distribution/Meal Distribution Sites in the Glades

Palm Beach County Food Finder Map


This online tool was created to connect individuals seeking food resources to sites near them. Information is in English, Spanish, and Creole. United Way updates the information listed on this map weekly. However, locations and hours of distribution may change. Please consider calling the site prior to visiting to verify the information listed. Please note that sites may have specific requirements such as ID.


Click here to access the United Way of Palm Beach County's Food Finder map

FREE Family Weekend Meal Kits


Each child is eligible for one free weekend meal kit every Friday while supplies last. Eligible children are ages 18 and younger. Sponsored by Palm Beach County Food Bank and Pan-Florida Challenge, and hosted by Palm Beach County Library System.


WHEN: Every Friday

WHERE: 

Belle Glade Branch, 725 NW 4th Street, Belle Glade FL 33430

Clarence E. Anthony Branch, 375 SW 2nd Avenue, South Bay FL 33493

Loula V. York Branch, 525 Bacom Point Road, Pahokee FL 33476


Click here to learn more

Announcements/PBC Newsletters

Activities and Classes at the Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee Libraries - January 2026


Check out the full listing of activities and classes at the Belle Glade, South Bay, and Pahokee Libraries. Unless noted, activities are on a first-come, first-served basis. For events requiring registration, please visit www.pbclibrary.org.


Click here to learn more

Count-e-News: News from Palm Beach County


Receive our weekly county news. Send any feedback or questions to public@pbc.gov


Click here to learn more

Anne M. Gannon's Tax Talk: January 2026


"Anne keeps you up to date each month in her Tax Talk newsletter."


Click here to learn more

Job Opportunities


In the Glades


CareerSource Services

Employ Florida - Job Search Engine

Apprenticeships & Pre-apprenticeships in Palm Beach County

Arts Center Manager at Dolly Hand CAC, Belle Glade 

Community Connector, Rural at Heart, Pahokee

Other Area Events

Join Town Hall Meeting from the Western Communities of West Palm Beach Democratic Club


Attend to listen to Gubernatorial Candidate David Jolly discuss his platform and ask any questions that you might have. Open to the public. Please RSVP.


WHEN: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Vista Center, 2300 Jog Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411

CONTACT: To RSVP, please email westcomdemswpb@gmail.com


Click here to learn more

Dress for Success Palm Beaches Presents: Road to Success


Road to Success is a FREE 6-week series of career-focused sessions (valued over $5000) for women to enhance their professional development. Whether you are underemployed or seeking employment, this program is designed to help you create and implement a vision of YOUR Ideal future. In-person only.


WHEN: Wednesdays, Feb 4 - Mar 4, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: 6836 Forest Hill Blvd, Greenacres, FL 33413 

CONTACT: For any questions, please contact Elizabeth Inman at 561.249.3898 or njakubowski@dressforsuccesspb.org


Click here to learn more/register

Previous Postings - Glades Area Events

A Read a Recipe Program - Tiny Tale Bookmarks at the Belle Glade Library


Create a tiny-sized story perfect enough for any bookworm! Write a story small enough to fit onto your own decorated bookmark and start your own reading adventure.


WHEN: Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Belle Glade Library, 725 NW 4th St, Belle Glade FL 33430


Click here to learn more

MITM Presents: 3-Part Breastfeeding Series - Nourishing Mom and Baby


Join for a supportive, hands-on breastfeeding series designed to help moms feel confident, informed and empowered. Participants must attend all 3 sessions to receive a $50 gift card.


WHEN: Wednesdays, Jan 14, Feb 11, and Mar 11, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: BRIDGES at Belle Glade, 141 SE Ave C, Belle Glade, FL 33430


Click here to learn more

Save the Date - The City of Pahokee's MLK Day Extravaganza + Parade


Join for a community celebration rooted in unity, service, and remembrance. Additional details, including event time and activities, will be announced soon. Please save the date and share with the community! Parade applications available at Pahokee City Hall.


WHEN: Saturday, Jan 17, 2026

WHERE: Pick up parade applications at Pahokee City Hall, 207 Begonia Dr, Pahokee, FL 33476 

CONTACT: For more information, please call 561-924-5534.


Click here to learn more

MITM Presents: Vision Boards and Vibes


This FREE event will be a relaxed space for moms to create vision boards, set goals and support one another. Supplies, brunch bites, guided reflection and good vibes are included! RSVP required.


WHEN: Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Belle Glade Library, 725 NW 4th St, Belle Glade FL 33430

CONTACT: For more information, please contact Bree at 561-463-9341.


Click here to learn more

Click here to RSVP

Latinx Adults Residing in Rural Florida Are Invited to Participate in DORMIR Study - $150 Compensation


The main purpose of the University of Miami's DORMIR study is to assess how insufficient sleep contributes to negative cardiovascular health outcomes, particularly in rural Floridian communities for their recruitment efforts. These findings can lead to actionable clinical, lifestyle, and policy interventions that can improve the health of the Latino and Latina community. Visits are fully remote. If eligible, up to $150 is available for compensation for participation.


CONTACT: For more information, please email DORMIR@miami.edu or call 786-584-8003 to be screened.


Click here for more information

Clarification on License Plate Frame Law from the FLHSMV


License plate frames are allowed in Florida only if they don’t block:1) The plate number, 2) The registration decal (top right), and 3) Any part that makes the plate hard to read. If a frame obscures this information, it can lead to a stop or citation under Florida law.


Click here to learn more

Dress for Success Monthly News - December 2025


Learn about Dress for Success by reading its latest monthly newsletter.


Click here to learn more

The Merchant Strategy - December 2025 Newsletter


Check out opportunities to become a Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce (CPBC) member and more.


Click here to learn more

The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research - Weekly Newsletter, Dec 18, 2025


Read the latest from the Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research weekly newsletter below.


Click here to learn more

Upcoming Events & Programs from the LWVPBC


Check out the upcoming informative events from the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County - in person and virtual options.


Click here to learn more

AJFS's Life Planning 2026 Program Calendar


Save the dates for program focused on education, advocacy, consultation, and emotional support to people with disabilities, their parents, adult children, siblings and caregivers.


Click here to learn more

2026 Election Dates and Deadlines


Mark your calendar and make sure you are prepared to cast your vote in 2026. Review important election dates and deadlines and verify your voter status at VotePalmBeach.gov.


Click here to learn more

CPSFL Connect - December Edition


Check out Community Partners of South Florida's plans and spotlights.


Click here to learn more

Posting Information
Anyone wishing to add their local announcements or events is welcome to submit their information by Friday to be posted the following week. Please include a brief summary of the information to be posted with your contact name, phone number, and/or flyer. 

*If you want to submit a posting please email us at updates@gladesinitiative.org
or (561) 996-3310.*
 
If you would like to submit your volunteer opportunities on our site below, please email us at volunteer@gladesinitiative.org