Like most island organizations, businesses, and residents, FISH took some brutal hits in recent years. The difference? FISH had more than its own organization to rescue and rebuild. It carried the weight of the entire community’s welfare as it went into recovery mode. FISH executive director Maria Espinoza recapped the journey and current state of her organization at the March 19 SanCap Chamber business luncheon at Sundial Beach Resort on Sanibel.
The journey began in 1982, as “a nonprofit started by four couples on the island,” Espinoza said. “For the first 20 years FISH was around, it focused on senior services.” She credited Maggie Feiner, who advanced from volunteer to president and chief executive officer for the organization’s early growth, shaping its mission of “neighbors helping neighbors.”
Fast forward to 2025, as FISH further achieves its mission with the help of a $6.9 million federal grant in cooperation with the city of Sanibel. In between, during its 40-plus years, FISH has grown and pivoted to meet the changing needs of the community. First the pandemic and later Hurricane Ian saw the nonprofit evolve from primarily a food pantry and transportation service for seniors to today’s multitude of services that fall under its four-pronged vision: food programs, island-based education, senior services, and helping hands and financial assistance.
Hurricane recovery greatly expanded FISH services, adding such initiatives as a laundry station, free furniture distribution, assistance with yard clean-up, counseling, and Camp Noah for children impacted by disaster, in partnership with St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church.
“It was a transformative time,” said Espinoza, who began volunteering with FISH after Hurricane Irma in 2017. She quickly progressed to full-time employee status as the walk-in center manager, then director of food programs, assistant executive director, and now executive director. “One of the things that hasn’t changed is how we depend upon volunteers.”
“It’s a truly inspiring tale of community and hope to hear the FISH story and its plans for future improvements with the grant money,” said John Lai, president and executive director of the SanCap Chamber. “We’d like to thank Simple Social for sponsoring the meeting.”
He announced two upcoming chamber events: the annual meeting at Sundial on Wednesday, April 23, and the annual Islands Night baseball game at Hammond Stadium on April 30. Sponsorships are still available for both. Contact Aaron Walton at [email protected] or 239-472-8759 for details.
ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER
The SanCap Chamber is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or [email protected].
