FISH OF SANCAP invites the community to its October Friendly Faces luncheon on Tuesday, October 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sanibel Community House. Guests will enjoy a meal together while learning about Trailways Camps, Inc. Lunch will be provided by Rosalita’s Cantina at no cost to guests.

 

Trailways Camps, Inc. was born from a simple dream—that adults with special needs deserve a place to belong, grow, and experience the joy of friendship and community. Their mission is to create overnight camp experiences where individuals, who are too often isolated, can find laughter, acceptance, and purpose. At Trailways, campers discover new abilities, families receive much-needed respite, and volunteers build connections that last long after camp has ended.

 

This month’s speaker is Jamie Senkeleski, Executive Director of Trailways Camps, Inc. Jamie has called Sanibel home since 2018, though she has been part of the island community since 2005. Known for her warm smile and love of pickleball, shelling, and family time on the water, Jamie quickly became a natural leader at Trailways. She first joined as Camp Director in 2022 and, through her energy and organizational strength, was soon promoted to Executive Director.

 

Jamie and her husband, Jim, raised three daughters—Jenna, Julia, and Jianna—who all remain close by, with careers and families of their own. When she’s not leading Trailways, Jamie enjoys reading on the beach, boating with her family, and cheering on her daughters in their endeavors.

 

“The Friendly Faces luncheons have really taken off,” says Erika Broyles, Senior Services Director at FISH. “They’re open to all ages, but we’ve found they are especially meaningful for seniors who may feel isolated. It’s a chance to reconnect, share a meal, and be reminded that they’re part of a caring community.”

 

The Friendly Faces luncheon provides a chance for neighbors to connect and hear from others doing important work. FISH looks forward to welcoming everyone for this special program with Jamie and Trailways Camps.

 

For more information or to reserve a seat at the luncheon, please contact

FISH Senior Services, contact Erika Arnowitz at [email protected] or 239-472-4775.

To learn more about FISH programs, visit www.fishofsancap.org or contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director, at 239-472-4775.

 

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About FISH:

 

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva has been a ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ organization on Sanibel and Captiva for over 40 years. As a social service organization, FISH has been ground zero, in recent years, from natural and environmental crises to the impacts of COVID and now, for catastrophic Hurricane Ian. FISH offers something for everyone—if there is not a service in place for unmet needs of community members, they work to meet it through their expansive regional network. In addition to their Long-Term Recovery program, FISH continues to offer programs representing their four major pillars – Food, Island Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands.

Although FISH has grown from the grassroots organization it started as, it still remains a network of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’; a group of community members committed to the betterment of the islands and southwest Florida community by assisting one neighbor at a time. FISH is proud to say that 88% of every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services including but not limited to:

· Long-Term disaster recovery

· Emergency financial assistance

· Food pantry

· Non-emergency transport

· Temporary loan of health equipment

· Hurricane preparedness information

· Daily hot meals program

 

More information about FISH is available online at fishofsancap.org, as well as Facebook and Instagram. For details about hurricane recovery and other services, contact Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director, at (239) 472-4775.