A Week of Gratitude

Amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19, we shifted our attitude to gratitude. The power of positive thinking can boost our outlook, support wellness and improve our mental health. For the past seven days, we celebrated a Week of Gratitude on our Facebook page, thanking our friends and supporters for their generosity during COVID-19. This outpouring of care and concern is providing valuable resources as we transition services to better support our members and families.

We offer special thanks to Bank of America Foundation, Melissa Wides Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, John Collins Foundation, Steinwachs Family Foundation, The Oaks Women’s Club and the Flanzer Trust. We also want to recognize the Steinwachs Family Foundation for providing an exclusive match for the upcoming Giving Challenge, on April 28-29. Donations up to $100 will receive a triple match (thanks, in part, to the Patterson Foundation), up to an event total of $10,000.

With these additional resources, the Academy is implementing creative strategies to support the mental health of Academy members, including those who have lost their jobs during COVID-19. Using up-to-date technology, Academy members have the opportunity to participate in a “virtual” workday from the comfort of their own home, thereby keeping up on technical skills, stamina and concentration. In addition, the Academy is coordinating with its employment partners, including Sunset Cadillac, the Pines of Sarasota, the Public Defenders Office, Sarasota Memorial Health Care, and Doctors Hospital, to ensure that members who have temporarily lost their jobs will be eligible for rehire once things return to normal.