SARASOTA, Fla. – March 24, 2025– Easterseals Southwest Florida is excited to announce the receipt of a generous grant in the amount of $7,500.00 from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This funding will support existing initiatives that empower children and adults with disabilities to achieve greater independence in their communities. Funding for this grant is provided by the James W. Wherritt Charitable Fund.

Easterseals has long been a leader in providing comprehensive services to individuals with disabilities, including early intervention, educational, therapy services, employment development and more. With the support of the Community Foundation, Easterseals will be able to expand its reach, improve accessibility and provide personalized services tailored to the needs of those it serves.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation for their commitment to individuals with disabilities in our community,” said Nicole Murby, MS CCC-SLP, Vice President of Programs at Easterseals Southwest Florida.  “This grant will allow us to enhance our existing programs, ensuring that children and adults with disabilities receive the resources and support they need to positively impact them to grow academically, socially and emotionally.”

Easterseals provides a wide range of valuable programs designed to support individuals with disabilities, including autism. These programs empower them to achieve greater independence and quality of life. Through early intervention services, children receive the critical support they need during key developmental stages, while specialized educational programs offer individualized learning experiences tailored to diverse abilities. Therapy services, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy, help individuals build essential skills for daily living, communication, and mobility. Additionally, Easterseals’ employment program provides job training, career coaching and workplace accommodations to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to meaningful employment opportunities. By offering these comprehensive services, Easterseals fosters inclusion, enhances personal growth and helps individuals reach their full potential.

Easterseals Southwest Florida has served individuals with disabilities for close to 80 years, in our community. To learn more about the programs and services provided, including the Lily Preschool, Easterseals Academy, Autism Services, Children Services, Adult Services, Employment Services, Therapy Services, Family Support Services, Hippotherapy, Veterans and First Responder programs and more, visit www.easterseals-swfl.org.

###

Easterseals Southwest Florida has been a vital part of the community for nearly 80 years, providing high-quality care and services to individuals with disabilities. Their commitment to enhancing access and opportunities empowers both children and adults to make meaningful life choices. With a focus on therapy, education, life skills, and employment, Easterseals Southwest Florida continues to lead in special needs services, ensuring comprehensive support throughout each individual's life journey.

About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County: The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of $544 million in more than 1,590 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $56 million dollars last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant more than $500 million to area nonprofit organizations in our community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000.