Making An Impact, Inc.

Awareness of resources is the first step towards access them.

Today, during an unrelenting pandemic, there is no shortage of people in need and no such thing as too much information on ways to help them. We believe the more ways communities can connect people with resources, the better chance their residents will have longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Solution

Making An Impact, Inc. (MAI), founded in April 2020, is a 501 (c ) (3) charitable nonprofit serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. To fill the informational gap and heighten awareness, MAI created the Community Connections Resource Guide. Now in its 2nd edition and available in both print and online, the Guide contains information on over 250 area agencies organized into 17 categories of service. In addition, more than 1000 color-coded, easy-to-use pocket-sized printed guides have already been distributed. The Guides have been well received, and the request for printed copies remains high.

Our resource guide was created by locals for locals to enhance the quality and quantity of community information available to those who need it most, address the different ways people seek information, and complement existing referral resources.

Many organization are using our Guide to serve others, including a number of law enforcement agencies and first responders such as Sarasota Police Department,  Manatee Sherriff’s Office and Longboat Key Police, Fire and EMT. A few health and human service agencies using the Guide include American Red Cross SWFL, SPARCC, Tidewell Hospice, SMH Behavioral Health and more. A partial listing of testimonials about the Guide and online access to the full Resource Guide can be seen on our website at www.Making-An-Impact.org 

Vision        Equitable access to community resources, resulting in longer, healthier, and happier lives

Mission     To reduce disparities and address unmet needs for disadvantaged people in our community

Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

Making An Impact is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment and incorporates these core values in our services and advocacy for an enriched community with equitable access to resources.

History       

In early 2020, when the 1st wave of COVID-19 hit the US, two community advocates began to imagine the toll and devastating effect of this infectious disease on the health, wealth, and livelihood of residents in their area. They anticipated an even bigger need for information on programs and services addressing essential needs as COVID positivity rates soared, death rates climbed, and the economy verged on near collapse. Pre-existing disparities grew and were even more apparent, as everyone suffered, some more than others.

Founded in April 2020 , Making An Impact, Inc. (MAI), is a 501 (c)(3) charitable nonprofit dedicated to reducing disparities and addressing unmet needs for disadvantaged people in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Realizing residents can't access services if they are not aware of them, the organization focuses on heightening awareness and empowering residents with information needed to find the resources they need when they need them.

Today, during an unrelenting pandemic, there is no shortage of people in need and no such thing as too much information on ways to help them. We believe the more ways communities can connect people with resources, the better chance their residents will have longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Making An Impact 

(Mailing Address) 11161 East State Road 70, Suite 110-585, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-9407

Tel: 941.251.5846   Website: www.Making-An-Impact.org    Email: info@Making-An-Impact.org 

Board of Directors (8)

Chair: Victoria Kasdan, RN, MPH, Mission Made Possible, LLC

VP: Shauniece Lee, BS, LPN, Tidewell Hospice

Treasurer: Linda Hoy, retired CPA

Secretary: John Sperrazza, BS, Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota