FISH OF SANCAP is pleased to welcome Mary Jean “MJ” Hays to the team as Volunteer & Office Coordinator. In this role, MJ will coordinate and schedule the many dedicated volunteers who support FISH programs while also assisting with administrative responsibilities including building management, events, and day-to-day office operations.

MJ brings a diverse background to the position, with a history that includes over a decade owning a catering business in Georgia and several administrative and bookkeeping roles with local Sanibel businesses.

“MJ’s warmth, attention to detail, and deep connection to the Sanibel community make her a wonderful fit for FISH,” says Maria Espinoza, Executive Director. “She understands our mission and shares our passion for helping others. We’re so happy to welcome her to the team.”

MJ and her husband moved to Sanibel five years ago with their two dogs. She’s an active member of the Sanibel-Captiva Orchid Society and volunteers at BIG ARTS. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening—especially orchids—shelling, creating shell art, and baking for friends.

When asked what drew her to FISH, MJ says, “It’s a blessing to work at such a great nonprofit that helps our community in so many ways and to make a difference. The opportunity to be a part of something that gives back and supports others is appealing to me. You never know how much a small gesture can change someone’s day—or their life.”

FISH looks forward to all MJ will bring to her new role as she continues the tradition of “neighbors helping neighbors”. To learn more about the programs of FISH or to support their mission, please contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director.

 

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.