Pine Island Cares assesses needs of islanders
A newly formed organization on the island asked residents the question, “What is it that islanders need help with most?” and collected information on the subject. Pine Island Cares, a group comprised of several other service organizations and churches, recently hosted an event to serve two important purposes.
“Our event focused on sharing information. We gathered several agencies and organizations together to offer islanders assistance with a variety of needs and to field questions that concerned individuals and families who are struggling through these tough economic times,” said Betsy Haesemeyer with Pine Island Long Term Recovery Organization (PILTRO). “In turn, we asked those attending to fill out a questionaire so that we, as a united group, could address these needs and explore ways to see that these needs are met right here in the community.”
The survey was completed by 20 adults, nine children, four senior citizens and three disabled individuals. The questions were rated according to degree of importance and the vast majority felt that among their most urgent needs were employment, medical and dental care, access to hurricane shelters and transportation. Also ranking high was the need for assistance with providing food, paying utility bills and paying for insurance.
Following the event, representatives from PILTRO along with the Beacon of HOPE, FISH, Family Health Centers, Matlacha Hookers, the Pine Island Food Pantry, Pine Island United Methodist Church, Lee County Bicycle Ministries and Pine Island Community Church and other concerned individuals gathered to rehash the event.
“We got a lot of positive feedback from those that attended,” said Sheri Dube. “The event was well received and, in fact, it was so successful that we were able to solve a few problems right there on the spot. The main objective of the event was to provide information about services that people can obtain and I think a lot of people left with not only that information, but a sense of hope as well.”
According to Haesemeyer, more than 150 people attended the event and the group is planning to host similar events at various locations on the island.
“We found that even though we staged the event at the Beacon of HOPE at the island center, that perhaps we missed a lot of people in Bokeelia, St. James City and in Matlacha simply because they had no way to get there,” she said.
In addition to obtaining information, those attending the event were provided a free lunch, as well as a free raffle for food and gas cards and a free goodie bag. Among the attendees receiving gifts, 50 children also took home a re-furbished bicycle in good working order.
“The kids were so thrilled with the bikes and one dad was near tears when all three of his kids got bikes and he also won a gift card for free ice cream at Great Licks in Matlacha. He was given the opportunity to trade it in for a gas card but declined because he said that the bikes and the ice cream would make his kid’s day,” said Dube.
The bicycles were provided by Lee County Bicycle Ministries, which provides used bicycles in good repair to those who have no other means of transportation.
The goodie bags, raffle items and bicycles were donated specifically for the event which was held on June 20.
“If there was any doubt that Pine Island Cares, it was shattered on the day of the event. Our neighbors received a big hug from the many organizations, charities and business owners by giving money, donations of gifts and prizes and most importantly of their time and talents,” said Christina Cooper-Foster Paolinnell with Pine Island Cares. “There were free raffles of gift cards, food and gas cards, auto care, hair care, dinners and pest control gift certificates as well as free ice cream, books, toys, stress management counseling and even swimming lessons.”
One woman, a resident and single mother was helped on the spot in several ways.
“A single mother was whisked away for one-on-one counseling with Jon Long from Southwest Florida Workforce to receive information on job opportunities and assistance and before she left, the Beacon of HOPE filled her arms with baby clothes, supplies and even a tricycle for her son,” said Paolinnell. “These and other experiences were all tokens of love offered and received during the Pine Island Cares event.”
In the short term, Pine Island Cares will continue to get the word out to families and individuals with regard to services that are easily accessible and ultimately would like to work toward establishing a soup kitchen for the homeless and hungry residing on the island.
Those in need of assistance can call on various non-profit groups on the island.
For those needing a ride to doctor or dentist appointments or in need of a loan of medical equipment such as walkers, canes or wheelchairs, respite for caregivers or limited financial assistance for rent, utilities or gasoline, can call FISH at 283-4442.
For temporary help with groceries and other staples such as soap, paper products and personal hygiene items, call the Pine Island Food Pantry at 283-3824.
For pet supplies and pet food, or help with lawn and yard work, pressure washing, painting or light home maintenance, contact the Pine Island Community Church at 282-5616.
For discounted clothing, furniture and household items as well as help with searching for employment, applying for food stamps, Medicaid and other services such as Meals on Wheels, call the Beacon of HOPE at 283-5123.