2026-2027 current community outreach ORGANIZATIONS

Mothers Helping Mothers (MHM)

Founded in 1990, Mothers Helping Mothers is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing essential necessities, resources and support to families in need with children under 18 or are currently pregnant throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. They are committed to supporting families by fostering resiliency, self-sufficiency and stability in our local community. MHM participates in the Flanzer Trust matching donation program and participates in The Giving Challenge supported by the Patterson Foundation.

MHM works directly with other local organizations and agencies for cross-referrals and resources. By sharing services, they work together to lighten the burden for struggling families in our community. Approximately 150 regular volunteers support MHM efforts which have helped over 150,000 local families. Client services include:

• Free shopping experience at the store which offers diapers, formula, clothing, baby gear, equipment, home furnishings and more for parents and children
• Personal coaching and crisis support
• Transportation support, safe rides and vehicle donations
• On-site classes in the Connections Lounge
• On-site health care
• Free childcare, special events and classes for kids.

Volunteers help receive, sort, and hang donations at the MHM store and assist with client intake, childcare, and delivering classes. Those with administrative skills assist with office tasks and even work remotely. In addition, volunteers work at special events as well as assist with crisis relief such as sorting supplies, setting up pop-up relief events, and delivering essential items to families in need.

For more information, please visit: https://mhmsarasota.org

FELT - Feeding Empty Little Tummies

FELT, founded in 2010, is dedicated to feeding Manatee County’s most needy, homeless, and food insecure students one backpack at a time, FELT, a 501C3 non-profit recognized by the IRS, participates in the matching donation program through Flanzer Trust and participates in The Giving Challenge supported by the Patterson Foundation.

The program provides each student with a backpack containing food for the weekend. Each child in the FELT backpack program is pre-qualified by Project Heart, the Manatee School District’s Title X Homeless Education Program, providing education related support services for students who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

While donations of food are helpful, financial contributions go further because FELT can buy in bulk to secure substantial discounts from distributors. Monetary donations support the Backpack Program and administrative and operating costs of the organization’s mission. Presently, FELT delivers to 58 Manatee County schools and feeds 1,600 tummies each week.

FELT offers numerous ways to volunteer. Some of the opportunities include:

• Help fill backpacks for weekends (UPWC participates monthly)
• Organize food donations and tables for volunteers
• Deliver backpacks to participating schools
• Assist with various fundraising/special events throughout the year.