FISH of Sanibel-Captiva’s Helping Hands Program continues to provide critical, short-term support to neighbors facing unexpected financial hardship—help made possible through the generosity of donors and grantors who believe no neighbor should face a crisis alone.
The Helping Hands program offers emergency financial assistance to eligible individuals who live or work on Sanibel and Captiva. Assistance may help cover essential needs such as medical, dental and prescription expenses, rent, utilities, and other urgent costs. Each request is carefully reviewed through required documentation and a confidential intake interview conducted by Nitza Lopez, FISH’s Social Service Director, to ensure assistance is provided correctly and where it will have the greatest impact.
While a portion of the Helping Hands Program is funded through grant dollars, donor support plays a key role in keeping neighbors stable during times that could otherwise cause lasting setbacks. By helping bridge a short-term gap, donor dollars allow individuals and families to focus on healing, maintaining employment, and moving forward—rather than falling further behind. For donors, Helping Hands is about seeing progress through support that comes when it’s needed most, keeping households on track, and moving neighbors forward with more stability under their feet.
For many clients, this assistance arrives at a moment when a single unexpected expense could create lasting hardship. One recent client, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared that “financial assistance from FISH made it possible to begin medically necessary therapy during a period of physical pain and emotional strain.” With the burden lifted, the client reported feeling healthier, stronger, and more hopeful as treatment progressed, expressing deep gratitude for the compassion shown during a difficult chapter time in her life.
“Helping Hands is about meeting people where they are and helping them get through a moment that feels overwhelming,” said Nitza Lopez, Social Services Director at FISH. “When someone is dealing with pain, illness, or financial stress all at once, timely assistance can make a huge difference in their recovery. Because of our donors, we’re able to step in quickly and help people when they need it most.”
All Helping Hands requests are handled confidentially. Clients must provide documentation related to their emergency need and participate in an intake interview to assess eligibility and identify any additional resources or referrals that may support longer-term stability.
The Helping Hands Program is one of FISH’s four core service pillars, alongside food programs, senior services, and island-based education. Together, these services reflect FISH’s long-standing commitment to neighbors helping neighbors—especially during moments when steady support helps people move forward with confidence.
Those in need of assistance, as well as community members interested in the supporting Helping Hands program, are encouraged to contact FISH to learn more about the confidential intake process and how donor support continues to create meaningful progress to community neighbors.
