SARASOTA, Fla. – March 20, 2025 – Easterseals Southwest Florida is excited to announce the receipt of $25,000 in grant funds from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to assist with clinical therapy for children in the Lily Preschool and Easterseals Academy residing in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Funding for this grant is provided in part by the Mildred Schwartz Lentini Fund and the David and Faye Dorfman Fund.

The Lily Preschool and Easterseals Academy creates an inclusive learning environment where children of all abilities can grow, grain confidence and achieve success. This grant will help ensure that students continue to receive the personalized support they need for their unique developmental journeys, including speech, occupational, physical music and hippo- therapy, in a nurturing and supportive environment.

"Easterseals is incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation for their support," said Kristie Geimer, MS, OTR/L, Senior Director of Therapy at Easterseals Southwest Florida. "This funding will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with disabilities by ensuring they have the access to high-quality therapeutic services that foster development and independence."

To learn more about the programs and services provided by Easterseals Southwest Florida including the Lily Preschool, Easterseals Academy, Autism Support Services, Children Therapy Services, Adult Services, Employment Services, Family Support Services, Hippotherapy, Veterans and First Responder programs and more, visit www.easterseals-swfl.org. 

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 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