FISH of SanCap is taking an exciting step toward the future as they work on design for a new Resiliency Hub. Schenkel & Shultz, Inc. has been selected as the architectural firm that will guide the design of its future facility, including programming space for senior services, food pantry and a community resource center. The investment is intended to strengthen essential services and support the evolving needs of the Sanibel and Captiva community for decades to come.
While Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to FISH’s facilities, the project extends far beyond recovery. It reflects a long-term commitment to ensuring that residents, workforce members, seniors, families, and visitors continue to have access to critical resources, support services, and disaster response capabilities close to home.
Since 1982, FISH has grown from a volunteer organization into the only comprehensive social services organization serving Sanibel and Captiva. Today, the organization provides food assistance, senior services, financial assistance, educational programs, disaster preparedness resources, long-term recovery support, and referrals through an extensive network of community partners.
As the United Way Resiliency Hub serving Sanibel and Captiva, FISH has evaluated how its facilities can better support the community during blue skies and after disasters. Through funding allocated by the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG DR) program, FISH was awarded a $6,990,194 reimbursable grant to support the project. Administered locally through the City of Sanibel, the funding represents a significant investment in strengthening community infrastructure and resiliency.
Originally, the project focused on repairing the facilities damaged by Hurricane Ian. However, after careful review, FISH and the architectural/engineering team determined that demolishing the existing buildings located at 2430 and 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel and constructing one new facility would be a better use of funding than repairing and updating older structures. Building new will allow FISH to make the most of the reimbursable grant funding while creating a facility designed to support the changing needs of the community for many years to come.
“The question became, ‘How do we build what our community will need moving forward?'” said Maggi Feiner, President and CEO of FISH. “We have an opportunity to create a facility that strengthens our ability to serve neighbors every day while ensuring we are prepared to respond when emergencies occur.”
The future facility is being designed to support FISH’s core programs while providing dedicated space for food programs, senior services, volunteer coordination, case management, education, and community support. Preliminary concepts include an expanded food pantry with enhanced refrigeration and storage capacity, dedicated senior services space, volunteer and case management areas, meeting and educational space, and an area capable of supporting emergency feeding operations.
As a designated United Way Resiliency Hub, FISH serves as a central point for resources, information, partnerships, and assistance that support the community throughout the year. During disasters and other emergencies, that role becomes even more important. The new facility is being designed to support that responsibility by ensuring critical services remain available while providing space that can adapt before, during, and after a crisis.
“Every conversation has reinforced the same message: our community needs strong, reliable infrastructure that can adapt as needs change,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “That conversation continues as we continue with the design phase. We want to hear from the people who use our services, our partners, and our neighbors. Their feedback will help shape a facility that supports food security, senior services, disaster preparedness, and community needs for many years to come.”
Following a competitive Request for Qualifications process, Schenkel & Shultz was selected to lead the design effort. The firm brings extensive experience in community focused projects and facility design, including work supporting Southwest Florida’s recovery following Hurricane Ian. As the design process moves forward, FISH will continue seeking community input through stakeholder meetings and conversations with key partners to help ensure the new facility reflects the needs of those it serves. Additional stakeholder meetings are planned for early August as preliminary concepts continue to evolve.
“We are honored to partner with FISH of SanCap to design their future home and support their mission,” said Nathalie White, AIA, Principal and leader of Schenkel & Shultz’s Southwest Florida office. “Our goal is to create a welcoming facility that supports both daily operations and emergency response while serving the community for years to come.”
The FISH Building Committee guiding the project includes Bill Hayles, committee chair; Sheridan Snell; Maggi Feiner; Maria Espinoza; Ashley Price; Evan DePont; Jim Metzler; and Susan Ryckman, with technical advisory support from Mona Afifi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Construction Management at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Stock Development Program.
As this exciting work moves forward, FISH will share project updates through its website, newsletter, and social media channels. Stakeholder meetings are planned for early August, giving residents, partners, volunteers, and community leaders an opportunity to learn more and help shape the future facility. Anyone with questions, concerns, or who would like to discuss the project directly with Executive Director Maria Espinoza is encouraged to contact Executive Assistant Kim Baker at kim@fishofsancap.org or (239) 472 4775 to arrange a conversation during early August.
