We are so thankful for our community, partners, volunteers and supporters! Here's how we provide our 'neighbors helping neighbors' assistance as we have for nearly 45 years.

Community Survey Provides Direction for Resiliency Hub Planning

In a community survey last month, we asked the community what it wants and needs from our planned Resiliency Hub. With 172 survey responses received, several priorities came through loud and clear: food security, senior services, disaster preparedness and a facility that can continue serving Sanibel and Captiva as community needs change.

FISH has served as a United Way Resiliency Hub since 2024, when United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades rebranded its network of United Way Houses as Resiliency Hubs. FISH has been part of that network, previously known as a United Way House, since 2009. The designation reflects the role FISH plays in supporting the community in good times and bad, providing year-round programs and services while preparing for and responding to community needs before, during and after disasters. FISH’s planned Resiliency Hub will remain a FISH facility, operated by FISH staff and volunteers, while continuing its role within the United Way Resiliency Hub network Continue Reading

Get “Prepared Together” During National Preparedness Month

Throughout September, we will recognize National Preparedness Month through our “Prepared Together” campaign. Each week will focus on an action to improve readiness while looking out for others.

The month will begin with “Every Go Bag Tells a Story,” encouraging community members to build or refresh emergency Go Bags and post a picture or comment about a favorite or unexpected item on the FISH social media post. The most creative or unexpected item will win a Preparedness Prize featuring an emergency essential. Week Two will encourage folks to check in with neighbors to make sure they have what they need for the remainder of hurricane season. Later in the month, we will host a community supply drive for flashlights and AA and AAA batteries. Folks are encouraged to follow FISH on social media for weekly preparedness challenges, tips, reminders and opportunities to participate in the campaign. Continue reading

Neighbors in Readiness

Building a More Resilient Island

The more we connect, train, and plan together, the stronger Sanibel and Captiva become — before, during, and after any storm.

Quick Actions:

1. Get involved. Join a local preparedness or volunteer group like FISH, the City’s CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), or a neighborhood network.
2. Learn a new skill. Take a CPR or first aid class, or learn how to safely shut off your home’s gas, power, and water.
3. Host a mini-prep meeting. Gather your neighbors for coffee and compare evacuation plans, communication methods, or generator safety ideas.
4. Stay informed. Follow trusted sources — City of Sanibel, Lee County Emergency Management, and National Weather Service — for seasonal updates.
5. Share your knowledge. If you’ve lived through a major storm, your experience can help new residents prepare and stay calm when it matters most.

Island Insight:

After Ian, our islands saw incredible teamwork — volunteers checking homes, sharing supplies, and supporting recovery. Preparedness isn’t just about supplies; it’s about community strength. Kids Activity

Community Survey Puts Senior Needs Near the Top of FISH of SanCap Resiliency Hub Priorities

When FISH of SanCap asked the community to look into the future, older adults were noticeably on respondents' minds. Senior services ranked second among the community needs respondents believe FISH should prioritize, selected by 73.8% of participants in the organization's recent Resiliency Hub Community Survey. When respondents were asked about the challenges most likely to affect Sanibel and Captiva in future years, 57.6% identified the aging population. The open-ended responses provided additional insight into what seniors may need as they age, including transportation, caregiver support, help with aging in place, services for those who are homebound, access to medical equipment and appointments, and opportunities to stay active and connected. Continue reading

World Alzheimer’s Month | Awareness and Support for Island Seniors

Throughout September, we will recognize World Alzheimer’s Month by raising awareness of dementia, encouraging earlier conversations about diagnosis and reminding the community that support and resources are available close to home. The 2026 campaign theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” focuses on the benefits of seeking an early diagnosis. Throughout September, we will distribute purple Alzheimer’s awareness bracelets and purple rubber ducks to neighbors, as purple is widely used to show support for Alzheimer’s awareness, and the items offer a simple way to encourage conversation and let families affected by dementia know they have support within their community. Continue reading

We Are Now a Registered ReUnite Site for Sanibel and Captiva

We are now an official registered site for the ReUnite Program through United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades, giving the community local access to free scent kits designed to help law enforcement locate children and vulnerable adults who may wander or become lost. ReUnite is a community partnership between United Way and law enforcement agencies in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. The program provides families and caregivers with scent kits that can give search and rescue teams important information and help reduce search time when an at-risk individual is reported missing. Continue reading

Welcome Charles Sobczak to Friendly Faces

We are pleased to welcome Sanibel author and naturalist Charles Sobczak as the guest speaker for its September Friendly Faces luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, beginning at 11:00 a.m. RSVP here. Sobczak will present “The Changing Face of Nature,” an illustrated look at the changing relationship between people, wildlife and the environments they share. Continue reading

Working Family Remains Housed During Sudden Loss of Household Income

For one local working family, losing a second household income changed the financial picture almost overnight. A husband and father supporting his wife and young child had been sharing housing expenses with another family member. When that income unexpectedly disappeared, the client became responsible for the full rent while continuing to support his family. That’s when he turned to us. Continue reading

Student Volunteer Discovered the Meaning of "Neighbors Helping Neighbors"

What began as a way to earn volunteer service hours became something far more lasting for Tampa high school student Giada Brestelli. Her experience became the subject of an essay for school, where she reflected on what volunteering taught her. "One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was getting to know the people who came through the doors," Brestelli wrote. "I learned that service is about more than completing tasks. It's also about making people feel welcomed, respected, and cared for." Continue reading

Hunger Action Month | Local Food Need Continues

September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort led by Feeding America to raise awareness of hunger and encourage people to take action in their own communities. This year’s campaign reinforces that addressing hunger takes all of us. For FISH, that message closely reflects what “neighbors helping neighbors” looks like every day. From May through July 2026 alone, FISH distributed 128,746 pounds of food through its Food Pantry. During those three months, the pantry recorded 3,542 visits and served 682 unduplicated neighbors. Continue reading

FISH Receives CAMEO Grant for Senior Programs

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva has been awarded a $6,500 grant from CAMEO (Cooperative Associates Marketing Elderly Options) of Lee County to support two of the organization's most popular senior programs during the 2026 to 2027 program year: Smile Boxes and Friendly Faces. The grant will help FISH continue providing meaningful opportunities for older adults to stay connected, engaged, and supported while aging in place on Sanibel and Captiva. Continue reading

Senior Services That Encourage Connection, Independence, and Well-Being

Growing older brings new opportunities as well as new challenges. Through our Senior Services programs, we continue to help island seniors live safely, confidently, and with dignity while remaining involved in the community. We offer a variety of programs designed to meet both everyday needs and reduce social isolation. Each service is designed to strengthen independence while creating opportunities for connection. Continue reading

Thank You Service Day Volunteers!

A HUGE thank you to the Bishop Verot Freshman Retreat class and the team from Sundial Beach Resort & Spa for spending time volunteering with FISH! The Bishop Verot students spent two days helping in the FISH Food Pantry, and the Sundial team joined us for a Day of Service. Both groups jumped right in and helped wherever needed. We are grateful for the time, energy and hard work you gave to FISH and our neighbors. Thank you for choosing to spend your time giving back to the community!

JOG N JAM Sponsorship Opportunities

We are calling on local businesses, organizations and community partners to join JOG N JAM as a 2026 sponsor. Sponsorships directly support FISH programs and services while giving businesses the opportunity to be part of one of the organization’s largest annual fundraising events. Sponsors whose level includes placement on the official runner shirt must commit by Sept. 25 to have their name or logo included. JOG N JAM brings our community together for a great cause, and our sponsors make that possible. We hope businesses that have been thinking about getting involved will join us this year and help make the 2026 event our strongest yet. For a list of current sponsors, click here. For those interested in sponsoring the JOG N JAM, inquire here.

FISH In The Community 

FISH was proud to sponsor last month’s Greater Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce luncheon and spend time with so many members of our island community. FISH Director of Philanthropic Giving Ashley Price shared how local businesses can connect their employees with FISH services through Neighbor Network, as well as opportunities to partner through JOG N JAM sponsorships, corporate giving, employee campaigns and program drives. A strong island community includes the people who live here, work here, and support one another. Thank you to the Chamber and everyone who joined us!

Saturday, November 7, 2026 – The 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run return to the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Register here.

Saturday, December 5, 2026 – The celebration continues at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort, 15951 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924, with the JOG N JAM beach concert, featuring the Ben Allen Band. Register here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SMS (Text) Communications Now Available | Sign up to receive timely, relevant updates—whether it’s about food pantry hours, senior programming, wellness checks, or emergency alerts. Opt In to Text Messaging from FISH.

Stay Connected with FISH | News, Stories & More | Visit our blog and website for the latest updates, inspiring stories, upcoming events, and more.

Interested in Volunteering or Hosting a Day of Service? | Whether you’re an individual, a business, or a group looking to give back, it’s easy to connect with FISH. Contact MJ, our Office and Volunteer Manager, at maryjean@fishofsancap.org

JOG N JAM Merch! | JOG N JAM hats, along with the debut of a limited edition patriotic tie dye T-shirt created in honor of America's 250th birthday celebration are still available. Both items are priced at $30 each, plus applicable sales tax and service fees. Purchases and pickup must be completed in person at FISH on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Credit card payment is required. Merchandise cannot be reserved, prepaid, or shipped.

Great Nonprofit Review Request | You have an opportunity to help us make even more of a difference in our community. GreatNonprofits-a review site like TripAdvisor-is honoring highly reviewed nonprofits with their 2026 Top-Rated Awards. Won't you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a review of your experience with us? All reviews will be visible to potential donors and volunteers. It’s easy and only takes 3 minutes! To get started, go to https://greatnonprofits.org/org/f-i-s-h-of-sanibel-captiva-inc 

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva

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