With the new school year underway, FISH OF SANCAP is reminding the community about its year-round youth programs designed to support children who live on Sanibel and Captiva—or whose parents work on the islands. From school supplies and food assistance to after-school scholarships and specialty program support, FISH helps families manage rising costs while making sure kids have what they need to grow, learn, and thrive.
“Back-to-school can be financially overwhelming,” says Merari Salinas, FISH Community Outreach Manager. “But when families know they have support, it eases the overwhelm. That’s what FISH offers—help, peace of mind, and support families can count on.”
This August, over 350 children received brand-new backpacks filled with grade-level school supplies during the FISH Back-to-School event. Families also picked up essentials like clothing items and —items that aren’t always affordable after paying rent, utilities, and groceries.
For one local mom, Rhonda, the school supplies came just in time. “I was so worried about how I was going to afford everything for my two kids. Things like folders and markers seem small until you’re buying them for two kids on top of rent and car insurance,” she shares. “Getting the backpacks from FISH meant they didn’t feel different from the other kids. They were excited to start school, not embarrassed. That means everything to a parent.”
This year, FISH collected school supplies for students in grades K–12 through the support of several generous community drop-off locations. Donation sites included the Sanibel Public Library, Chocolattes in Fort Myers, Jerry’s Foods, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank (Sanibel branches), Adventures in Paradise Outfitters to the Outsiders, Macintosh Books + Paper, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, Sanibel Community Church, and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors.
“We’re so grateful for the incredible community support that makes this program possible,” says Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “Thanks to our drop-off partners and everyone who donated, students are starting the school year with confidence and excitement.” The organization offered a very special thanks to Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church who provided venue space, Quantum Fiber who provided free snow cones and additional supplies and the many FISH volunteers who organized and helped distribute items. “So many supporters step up each year,” said Espinoza. “This is truly a community effort.”
Beyond school supplies, many families also depend on FISH’s Youth Scholarship Program, which helps cover the cost of after-school care while she works full time. Scholarships are available on a case by case basis and include after-school care, holiday and summer breaks. Youth scholarships are made possible, in part, through grant funding from the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Foundation, Lee County Bar Association Foundation and Captiva Chapel by the Sea.
“There’s just no way I could afford after-school care without help,” Rhonda continues. “My youngest is in second grade, and I need to know he’s safe until I get off work. FISH helped with that, and it’s been life-changing.” For additional information on the youth scholarship program, please contact Nitza Lopez, Social Services Director at FISH.
The FISH Backpack Program is another critical support, providing children with weekend meals and snacks when school cafeterias are closed. With easy-to-prepare foods that children can manage themselves, the program helps reduce hunger and promote better focus and health. “Good nutrition plays a big role in academic performance,” says Salinas. “We’re not just handing out food—we’re supporting their learning, their confidence, and their future.”
FISH youth programs are open to families who live on Sanibel or Captiva or who have a parent employed on the islands. Each program is tailored to meet a child’s unique needs, from school-year help to summer enrichment.
“We see families from all walks of life—single parents, working families, grandparents raising grandkids,” adds Espinoza. “No matter what your situation looks like, FISH is here to listen and provide support.”
Families who could benefit from youth scholarships, after-school support, weekend food bags, or other assistance are encouraged to reach out to the FISH team.
