FISH of SanCap is now an official registered site for the ReUnite Program through United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades, giving the community local access to free scent kits designed to help law enforcement locate children and vulnerable adults who may wander or become lost.
ReUnite is a community partnership between United Way and law enforcement agencies in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. The program provides families and caregivers with scent kits that can give search and rescue teams important information and help reduce search time when an at-risk individual is reported missing.
The program may be especially helpful for families caring for someone with dementia or other conditions that can increase the risk of wandering.
FISH Senior Services Director Erika Arnowitz completed the ReUnite training program, allowing FISH to serve as a registered program site for Sanibel and Captiva. Arnowitz can now register participants, submit applications and provide scent kits directly through FISH.
“When someone you care for is at risk of wandering, having a plan in place can make a real difference,” said Arnowitz. “ReUnite gives families and caregivers another resource they can prepare ahead of time. Having FISH serve as a registered site means our island neighbors can complete the process right here in their community.”
ReUnite works with local law enforcement search and rescue resources, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, drones and certified Bloodhounds trained for search and rescue operations. The scent kit provides an additional tool that can be used if a registered participant goes missing.
Scent kits are available through FISH by appointment and must be completed in person. Individuals or caregivers should contact Arnowitz to schedule a time and bring a current color photograph of the person being registered. During the appointment, Arnowitz will register the participant through the ReUnite system and process the application. The process takes approximately 15 minutes. Once the application is completed, the participant or caregiver will receive the scent kit. There is no cost to participate. To schedule a ReUnite appointment at FISH, contact Erika Arnowitz at erika@fishofsancap.org or 239-472-4775.
Jenn Carolluzzi, Community Program Manager with United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades, left, with FISH Senior Services Director Erika Arnowitz. FISH is now an official registered ReUnite site for Sanibel and Captiva, providing local access to the free program for children and vulnerable adults who may be at risk of wandering or becoming lost.
