FISH of Sanibel-Captiva has been awarded a $6,500 grant from CAMEO (Cooperative Associates Marketing Elderly Options) of Lee County to support two of the organization’s most popular senior programs during the 2026 to 2027 program year: Smile Boxes and Friendly Faces.
The grant will help FISH continue providing meaningful opportunities for older adults to stay connected, engaged, and supported while aging in place on Sanibel and Captiva.
Founded in 1998, CAMEO is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors throughout Lee County. Through the generosity of local businesses and community supporters, the organization has awarded more than $310,000 in grants to programs that improve the quality of life for older adults.
“We are grateful to CAMEO for recognizing the importance of helping older adults stay connected to their community,” said Erika Arnowitz, Senior Services Director for FISH. “Isolation can affect both physical and emotional health. Programs like Smile Boxes and Friendly Faces remind seniors that they are valued, supported, and surrounded by neighbors who care.”
Friendly Faces has become a favorite monthly gathering for island seniors and others, bringing neighbors together over lunch, conversation, and educational presentations on topics including health, safety, local history, emergency preparedness, and community resources. Smile Boxes extend that connection by delivering items to seniors who live alone, are recovering from illness, or have limited mobility. Each box includes thoughtful items that support wellness while reminding recipients they are remembered by their community.
Together, the two programs help address one of the greatest challenges facing older adults: social isolation. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, approximately one in four community dwelling adults age 65 and older is socially isolated. Social isolation has been linked to increased risks of heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, and premature death. The National Institute on Aging also identifies regular social engagement and meaningful community connections as important ways to support healthy aging.
“Many people first come to Friendly Faces simply looking for a lunch outing,” Arnowitz said. “What they often find is a group of friends, familiar faces, and a reason to get out each month. Those relationships make a real difference.”
FISH’s Senior Services also include Meals By FISH, reassurance calls, home visits, transportation assistance, medical equipment loans, hurricane preparedness support, and case management, helping older adults remain healthy, independent, and safely in their homes.
In 2025, FISH delivered 356 Smile Boxes, served 625 meals through Friendly Faces luncheons, completed 1,138 reassurance calls, delivered 604 Meals By FISH meals, and loaned 237 pieces of medical equipment to older adults.
“Partnerships with organizations like CAMEO allow us to continue offering these programs at no cost to participants,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “As our senior population grows, so does the need for opportunities that reduce isolation, encourage healthy aging, and help people remain connected to the community they love. We sincerely thank CAMEO for investing in our neighbors.”
To learn more about FISH Senior Services or to support these programs, visit fishofsancap.org or call 239-472-4775.
