New divorce support group at Women’s Resource Center
The Women’s Resource Center will be offering a divorce support group on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. starting on May 1 at its facility in Sarasota, 340 S. Tuttle Ave.
The program is designed to provide women dealing with divorce with a safe and supportive environment to meet. Participants will have an opportunity to share their challenges and successes with others, develop coping skills, and benefit from the mutual support.
“Our Divorce 101 workshops have shown us, firsthand, the need and demand for a group like this," said Brent Giangregorio, director of client services. "I believe our divorce support group will offer a sanctuary for healing and growth, where individuals can find solace, solidarity, and the strength to navigate towards a brighter tomorrow.”
The facilitator is Paula Falk, an advocate for mental health and well-being. Falk has worked in psychiatry with all age groups and became involved in support group sessions for caregivers as director of caregiving services for Senior Friendship Centers.
Participants can attend one or all of the sessions. To register, visit mywrc.org/divorcesupportgroup. For more information, call 941-366-1700. WRC offers mental health counseling, career coaching, legal and financial consultation, and more. To learn more about services, call 941-256-9721 or visit mywrc.org.
Grant boosts ESOL programs at Manatee Literacy Council
The Manatee Literacy Council has received grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation to enhance its Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs by providing laptops for in-person classes and acquiring educational software to support learning outside the classroom.
The new laptops will equip adult learners with the tools to develop their English language and digital literacy skills. Participants also will benefit from improved access to online learning resources. “This grant will empower our students with the technology they need to succeed in their language learning journey,” said Michelle Desveaux McLean, executive director of the Manatee Literacy Council.
The Manatee Literacy Council, a volunteer-driven nonprofit, offers free and confidential literacy programs to help non-native English speakers gain the language skills they need to navigate daily life and pursue educational opportunities. For more information, visit manatee-literacy.org.
Five Riverview soccer athletes receive Monroe scholarships
The Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded five scholarships during the Riverview High School boys and girls soccer ceremonies in March.
Marco Munera, Jonathan Hatfield, Norbert Csonka, Alyssa Gancitano and Georgia Wilcon received the awards during soccer banquets held in March at Laurel Oak Country Club. The scholarships are funded through donations and the fund's annual 5K Walk/Run sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club.
Following Monroe’s death in a 2011 car crash, the family set up the scholarship to assist Riverview soccer players. To qualify, each applicant submitted an essay explaining how they emulate the character traits that defined Monroe. For information, visit andrewmonroe.com.
Around and about
· The Suncoast Boat Show is underway this weekend in water and on land at Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota. The event, presented by Boat Owners Warehouse, features a wide selection of sportfishing, power boats and motor yachts, exhibits, and activities for children. On Saturday and Sunday, Captain Don Dingman will present a youth fishing clinic; participants receive a free rod and reel. Tickets: eventspass.com/event/suncoastboatshow24?pr=WEB/#/buyTickets. (visitsarasota.com/events-festivals/suncoast-boat-show)
· Unity of Venice, 125 N. Jackson Road (in the garden), is hosting its annual Pet Blessing on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cats and dogs on a leash and all animals in a box, cage, or crate, including birds, turtles, and guinea pigs, are welcome. The event includes massage, grooming, and Reiki. (veniceunity.org/events)
· The Closet of Hope at Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, 1100 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte, which offers free clothing for children and adults, is accepting donations. The Closet is open the first and third Saturdays of the month (except holidays) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations can be brought to the Closet on Thursday at 10 a.m. or on Saturdays. Info: 941-697-1747.
· The Sarasota Anime-Fest, featuring a roster of anime industry professionals, fan-related celebrities, and assorted events, is April 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Carlisle Inn & Conference Center, 3727 Bahia Vista St. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance through sarasotaanimefest.com.
Submissions by Tonya Tremitiere, Debye Bernard, Su Byron, Michelle Desveaux McLean, Stacey Monroe, Visit Sarasota, Sue Pavlat, and Dana Hanson.
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