FISH OF SANCAP recently stepped in to support “Samantha,” a devoted Sanibel mom of two, as she worked through a particularly challenging chapter in her family’s life. (Name changed to protect privacy.)
Samantha works full-time to support her child who lives with a disability that affects mobility. Her days are filled with balancing work, parenting, and ensuring her daughter receives the care she needs—going so far as to hire a nurse to support her medical needs while she is at work. A longtime participant in the FISH food pantry and backpack program, Samantha knew she could turn to the organization for help.
As her daughter grew, navigating the stairs to get to medical appointments became not just difficult, but dangerous. She hoped to install a stair lift—a piece of equipment that would dramatically improve her daughter’s daily life and her ability to get to work—but financial strain made the purchase seem out of reach.
Through their Helping Hands program, FISH was able to assist by covering two months of Samantha’s rent, which freed up the funds she needed to move forward with purchasing the stair lift. Within two days of the lift’s arrival, it was installed—and life changed.
“Samantha’s story is an example of how providing a little relief in one area can create change in another,” says Nitza Lopez, Social Services Director at FISH. “By helping with rent, we gave her the space to take care of something truly vital for her daughter’s health and their family’s daily well-being. That’s the kind of support FISH is here to offer.”
Samantha shared her heartfelt thanks in a note to the FISH team. “I’m wanted to take some time to offer my gratitude. You and FISH have given me a fresh new start. I have felt for a long time there were so many obstacles—each one felt too big on its own, and it seemed like I couldn’t move forward without solving all of them at once. You’ve helped feed my family, helped me get the home of my dreams for my family, and supported me in getting reliable transportation. Most recently, you even made it possible for me to purchase a stair lift for my daughter, which has changed our lives more than I can put into words. It’s given her freedom and dignity and given me peace of mind. I can now get to work on my own and feel inspired knowing that I’m building a life that is truly mine. No one can take that away. I know now that I’m actually moving forward, and it’s incredibly empowering and motivating to see that all my efforts really do make a difference. I finally see a huge light at the end of a long, weary tunnel. Thank you, thank you so much.”
Stories like Samantha’s highlight the critical role FISH plays in supporting families and individuals in the community. Through tailored assistance that meets people where they are, FISH continues to help neighbors during difficult times.
The FISH Helping Hands program provides limited financial assistance to individuals and families facing unexpected hardships, including help with rent, utilities, medical, and other urgent needs. The program is designed to offer short-term relief and long-term stability, helping neighbors stay on their feet during difficult times. Those in need of assistance can contact FISH directly to complete a confidential intake and evaluation process with a staff member.
The Helping Hands program is funded, in part, through generous support from the Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation, whose commitment to community makes this critical assistance possible.
To learn more about the programs of FISH or to support their mission, please contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director.
