In the wake of Hurricane Ian, there were numerous impacts to community members, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Few in the path of the storm emerged unscathed.

However, thanks to two generous area foundations, children, foster families and other families participating in prevention and diversion programs through Safe Children Coalition received timely assistance.

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation came to the coalition’s rescue with a grant of $16,250 to fix the damaged roof at the DeSoto County SCC.

Many families served by SCC suffered home and property damage, as well as the loss of perishables due to power outages.

To help those in need, Gulf Coast Community Foundation awarded a grant of $30,000 from its Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative to purchase up to 600 Visa gift cards of $50 each. These have been distributed to foster families and other families in need.---

Cadence Bank Foundation awarded $4,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for its mentor background screenings and rescreenings in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

By providing youths with professionally supported volunteer mentors, BBBSSC meets the needs of the youths to remain in school and make academic progress, avoid risky behaviors, strengthen self-esteem, maintain and develop positive relationships, and transition to a productive adulthood.

In addition to continually screening new mentors, BBBSSC rescreens volunteers every three years to ensure the safety of the youths served.

---

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has received $5,000 from the Harold & Jacqueline Bladel Charitable Trust for its one-to-one mentoring programs in Sarasota County.

Through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring services, the agency helps youths remain in school and make academic progress, avoid risky behaviors, develop and maintain positive relationships, and achieve higher education and/or a career that fosters financial independence.

---

Bank of America Client Foundation has awarded $40,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for its Big Futures program and Gateways to Graduation in Sarasota County.

The funds were provided through the Frederic W. and Margaret E. Kurtz Fund, $6,815.63, and the Lewis & Leona Hughes Fund, $33,184.37.

Gateways to Graduation helps 8th-12th grade students remain in school, earn grade-level promotion, and graduate from high school, while Big Futures provides professionally supported mentoring to the high school youths it currently serves until they reach age 21.

---

The Venice Golf & Country Club Foundation recently awarded $5,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for its background screenings for volunteers in the one-to-one mentoring program.

The money will pay for background screenings and rescreenings, ensuring that child safety remains the agency’s highest priority.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Help for families recovering from Ian, $40,000 for mentoring