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.

Building the Future: New Resiliency Hub

We are taking an exciting step toward the future as we work on design for a new Resiliency Hub. Schenkel & Shultz, Inc. has been selected as the architectural firm that will guide the design of its future facility, including programming space for senior services, food pantry and a community resource center. The investment is intended to strengthen essential services and support the evolving needs of the Sanibel and Captiva community for decades to come. Stakeholder meetings are planned for early August, giving residents, partners, volunteers, and community leaders an opportunity to learn more and help shape the future facility. Anyone with questions, concerns, or who would like to discuss the project directly with Executive Director Maria Espinoza is encouraged to contact Executive Assistant Kim Baker at kim@fishofsancap.org or (239) 472 4775 to arrange a conversation during early August. Continue Reading

Neighbor Network Challenge Aug. 3-7

From August 3 through August 7, FISH of SanCap is launching the Neighbor Network Community Challenge, inviting residents, visitors, and members of the workforce to explore the islands, spot Neighbor Network window stickers, and support the local businesses that help strengthen the community.

The campaign encourages participants to keep an eye out for the official Neighbor Network window sticker displayed by participating businesses for a chance to win a prize. Continue reading

Welcome Back, Lee County Students!

The first day of the 2026 to 2027 Lee County School District school year is Tuesday, August 11, and everyone at FISH of SanCap is excited to welcome students, teachers, school staff, and families back to the classroom. We are here to support island families and workers throughout the school year with programs and services that help students succeed. Our Back-to-School event in late July provided 400 backpacks filled with supplies, clothing and shoes for our island residents and workforce!

Through the FISH Food Pantry, Youth Food Backpack Program, financial assistance, and more, we help ensure local children have the support they need to learn and thrive. We extend sincere thanks to the generous donors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners who make these programs possible, including our youth program grantors American Red Cross, Captiva Chapel by the Sea, Lee County Bar Association, SanCap Kiwanis, Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club and Suncoast Credit Union. Your support helps strengthen opportunities for local students throughout the year.

To every student beginning a new school year on August 11, FISH wishes you a successful year filled with learning, new experiences, and exciting opportunities. Have a wonderful 2026 to 2027 school year!

Families who would like to learn more about FISH programs and services are encouraged to contact the us at 239-472-4775 or visit fishofsancap.org.

Encouraging Wellness During National Wellness Month

Wellness is often associated with exercise and healthy eating, but true well-being also includes connection, purpose, and access to basic necessities. Throughout National Wellness Month this August, FISH of SanCap is highlighting the many ways neighbors can support their physical, emotional, and social health through healthy food choices, community connections, and resources. As part of the month-long initiative, FISH will feature nutritious foods available through its Food Pantry and share simple, affordable recipes that clients can recreate using pantry ingredients. Continue reading

Friendly Faces Continues to Grow with August Luncheon Featuring CROW Executive Director Alison Hussey

After welcoming more than 70 participants to its July Friendly Faces luncheon, we are inviting the community to join us for another engaging afternoon of conversation, connection, and learning. The next Friendly Faces luncheon will be held Tuesday, August 11, at Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, beginning at 11:00am. RSVP here.



The complimentary monthly program is open to all ages and continues to grow in popularity. August's featured speaker will be Alison Hussey, Executive Director of the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), who will present "A CROW Conversation with Alison". Continue reading

When Life Changes Suddenly, FISH of SanCap Helps Neighbors Move Forward

For nearly 45 years, FISH has supported island residents and members of the workforce through personal hardships, emergencies, and community wide challenges. As a United Way Resiliency Hub, FISH works closely with the City of Sanibel, emergency responders, healthcare providers, schools, faith communities, businesses, and nonprofit partners to ensure neighbors receive the support they need before, during, and after a crisis. Continue reading

Neighbors in Readiness

Your Monthly Guide to Staying Safe and Prepared

August — “After the Storm: Be Ready to Recover

When the winds calm and the rain stops, the work of recovery begins. The days after a hurricane can be confusing and stressful — but a little preparation now will help you respond safely and confidently. 

Quick Actions: 

1. Document everything. Take photos of your property — inside and out — before storm season peaks. After a storm, document all damage before making repairs. 
2. Know who to call. Save key numbers: insurance agent, utility company, FISH, City of Sanibel, and Lee County Emergency Management. 
3. Avoid scams. After storms, fake contractors and repair offers are common. Verify licenses at myfloridalicense.com. 
4. Stay safe. Never enter flooded buildings or use generators indoors. Watch power lines and wildlife. 
5. Keep receipts. For any cleanup or temporary repairs, keep documentation — it helps with insurance or FEMA claims. 

Island Insight:

After Hurricane Ian, neighbors who planned ahead recovered faster and safer. Preparing for the “after” is just as important as preparing for the storm itself — and our community is always stronger when we help one another through it. 

Kids Activity

National Financial Awareness Day Helps Neighbors Build Financial Stability

National Financial Awareness Day on August 14 encourages people to take a closer look at their financial health, strengthen money management skills, and prepare for the unexpected. At FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, that work happens through the organization's Helping Hands Program, where financial assistance is paired with education, planning, and one-on-one support designed to help clients build lasting financial stability. Continue reading

FISH Helps Local Resident Recover After Serious Injury with Rent, Food, and Ongoing Support

When a sudden accident left one local worker unable to earn an income, the impact went beyond physical recovery. It created immediate financial strain, uncertainty around housing, and rising medical costs. Through timely support, we stepped in to help stabilize the situation and keep recovery on track. Through our Helping Hands program, we provided rent assistance through grant funding provided by the Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation. Continue reading

Final Public Speaking Workshop Bonus Event Bringing Resilience Training to Sanibel

After two successful public speaking workshops that helped participants strengthen confidence and communication skills,we, with the SanCap Young Professionals, are hosting Toastmasters International for the bonus Part III session of their Public Speaking Community Series. Make Resilience Your Competitive Edge will take place Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Florida Trust Wealth Management, 2450 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. RSVP by August 26 at https://publicspeakingbonus.rsvpify.com/. Continue reading

National Senior Citizens Day: Honoring the Neighbors Who Continue to Strengthen the Islands

On August 21, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva joins communities across the country in recognizing National Senior Citizens Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments, resilience, and contributions of older adults. To mark the occasion, FISH will share a sweet treat with senior neighbors throughout the day. Seniors visiting the FISH Food Pantry on August 21 will receive a special treat while supplies last, and Meals by FISH volunteers will also deliver sweet treats to meal recipients and other senior clients served through FISH programs. Continue reading

FISH In The Community 

JOG N JAM Sponsorship Momentum Builds Months Ahead of the Event

While our event is approximately four months away, excitement is already building for JOG N JAM! Community businesses and organizations are stepping forward early, showing their commitment to helping neighbors while supporting one of FISH’s signature fundraising events. "Seeing so many businesses commit early says a great deal about this community," said Leah Winkler, FISH Board Member and JOG N JAM Committee Chair. "Our sponsors understand that JOG N JAM is about investing in neighbors, strengthening our islands, and helping ensure FISH can continue providing critical programs and services throughout the year." For a list of current sponsors, click here. For those interested in sponsoring the JOG N JAM, inquire here.

Register Early for JOG N JAM Before August 31 Price Increase

We are encouraging runners, walkers, families, businesses, and community groups to register now for the JOG N JAM 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 7 before race registration pricing increases take effect at the end of August. Several teams have already signed up, including Billy's Bikes & Rentals, Catching Coastal Realty, FISH of SanCap, Henderson Franklin Run Club, Sanibel Community Church, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, and Vietnam Veterans. More are expected as race day approaches. Continue reading

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.

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 the FISH Walk-In Center located at 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel during the designated sales hours below:

• 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

If you love our work then tell the world! 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 

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

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS

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

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