Coming Together for Our Community: A Heartwarming Back-to-School Backpack Drive

As summer begins to wind down and the anticipation of a new school year starts to build, the importance of preparation and support for our community's children becomes crystal clear. For many families, the back-to-school season can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to ensuring that their kids have everything they need to succeed in the classroom. This year, we are thrilled to share how the community came together in a beautiful way to lift this burden and spread joy to families in need.

A United Effort for a Brighter Future

We’re overjoyed to report that thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, we were able to organize a massive back-to-school backpack drive, providing hundreds of children with the supplies and shoes they need to start the school year off on the right foot. The room was filled with backpacks of every color, bursting with notebooks, pencils, and other essentials, all ready to be handed out to smiling faces.

This effort would not have been possible without the support of our amazing sponsors. We are deeply grateful to the following organizations for their unwavering commitment to our community:

• Touch A Heart Foundation: A beacon of hope, consistently stepping up to provide for those in need.
• Wheelhouse IT: Ensuring our community stays connected and supported.
• Emerald Elite Senior Homecare: Providing care and compassion, not just to seniors but extending their reach to the younger generation.
• Miss Florida Pageant: Celebrating beauty with a purpose, empowering and giving back to the community.
• Project Beauty: Spreading confidence and self-love, one backpack at a time.
• Shake Shack: Feeding more than just appetites, feeding the hearts of our community.
• Papa John’s Pizza: Serving up slices of hope and generosity.
• Sunshine Cathedral: Bringing light and warmth to every corner of our community.

The Impact of Generosity

This backpack drive was more than just about school supplies—it was about showing families that they are not alone, that they have a community that cares. Each backpack, filled with carefully selected items, represents an act of kindness and a message to the children that their education and well-being are valued.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To all our sponsors, volunteers, and community members who supported this initiative, we say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness and dedication have made a real difference, and we couldn’t be prouder to have you as part of our SunServe family.

As these children head back to school with their new backpacks, they carry with them not just supplies, but also the knowledge that they are supported by a community that believes in them. That’s the kind of impact that lasts a lifetime.

Let’s continue to work together to create a brighter, more supportive future for everyone in our community. The success of this backpack drive is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.

Thank you again to Touch A Heart Foundation, Wheelhouse IT, Emerald Elite Senior Homecare, Miss Florida Pageant, Project Beauty, Shake Shack, Papa John’s Pizza, and Sunshine Cathedral for your incredible support. You are truly making a difference.

By: John Marler, Director of Communications

#BackToSchool #CommunitySupport #WeHelpPeople #SunServeMovement

SunServe Youth & Family Center Shines at IASWG Symposium in Madrid

At SunServe, we take pride in our commitment to providing top-tier mental health services to our community. Our recent participation in the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG) symposium in Madrid exemplifies our dedication and expertise. We're excited to share the experiences of our team members, Eric Spindelman, LMHC, and Michelle Santos, LMHC, who not only attended but also presented at this prestigious event.

Equalizing Activities in Therapy Groups

Eric and Michelle’s presentation focused on equalizing activities within therapy groups. Power dynamics can create challenges, especially for LGBTQ+ youth who often face marginalization. They shared strategies to address these imbalances, ensuring all group members have an equal voice. Their insights were met with recognition and support from the international mental health community.

Eric Spindelman: Insights and Experiences

Eric attended various presentations on current research, gaining valuable ideas for data collection and implementation. He plans to incorporate these strategies into our youth programs, enhancing our services. The symposium also provided an excellent networking platform, allowing Eric to explore potential collaborations. On a personal note, he enjoyed Madrid's culinary delights and explored the city, visiting places like Chueca, Madrid Zoo, and the Madrid Botanical Garden.

Michelle Santos: Professional Growth and Cultural Immersion

Michelle connected with various agencies and mental health professionals, fostering relationships for future collaborations. Her presentation on working with LGBTQIA youth was well-received, sparking engaging discussions. She found the symposium’s sessions and workshops highly educational. The stunning architecture and rich culture of Madrid added a unique charm to her experience, making her stay truly memorable.

A Proud Moment for SunServe

We couldn't be prouder of Eric and Michelle for their exemplary representation of SunServe at the IASWG symposium. Their dedication to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and their passion for social work shone brightly on this international stage. It is an honor to have such talented professionals on our team.

At SunServe, our mission is to provide compassionate care to our community. Eric and Michelle's achievements underscore our commitment to this goal. Their participation in the IASWG symposium highlights our expertise and enhances our capacity to serve our clients with innovative approaches.

By: John Marler
Director of Communications, SunServe