Happy New Year! 
As we kick off 2026, I cannot help but be filled with optimism, excitement, and enthusiasm for this year ahead.  We ended 2025 at Helping People Succeed with such momentum around our delivery of services and impact to our communities, and we are hitting the ground running to build on that momentum. This month we will be finalizing a new 3-year strategic plan that will guide our future work.  I look forward to sharing the highlights of that with you in next month’s newsletter and hope you will consider how you fit into our new goals and refined mission! 
Want to get involved?  Reach out!  I’d love to have you for a tour, a conversation, or a connection to see how you could engage with us! 
Here's to an incredible 2026 ahead! 

 

As Helping People Succeed welcomes the new year, there is much to celebrate and even more to look forward to. The generosity of donors throughout 2025 fueled meaningful progress – strengthening families, empowering individuals with disabilities, and expanding critical services across the communities served. Every contribution played a role in creating lasting impact and advancing the mission.
That momentum carries into 2026, a year filled with opportunity to deepen impact and respond to growing community needs. Continued philanthropic support will be essential as programs evolve, partnerships expand, and new families seek services and support.
As donors consider their giving in the year ahead, a new charitable tax provision taking effect January 1, 2026, offers added incentive. Under this updated law, taxpayers may deduct charitable contributions of up to $1,000, even if they do not itemize deductions. This change allows more individuals to receive a tax benefit while making a difference through charitable giving. Donors are encouraged to consult with a tax or financial advisor to determine how this provision may apply to their personal circumstances.
Helping People Succeed is deeply grateful for the trust and generosity of its supporters. The impact made in 2025 provides a strong foundation for the year ahead, and early support in 2026 will help ensure individuals and families continue to receive the services they need to succeed.
Glenna Parris, CFRE                                                                                                Director of Philanthropy

 

Ann Nieves, an Employment Options participant, was honored last month as a “Light the Night Hero” at Heathcote Botanical Gardens. The nomination from her employer, United Against Poverty, stated:
“Ann embodies compassion and perseverance. Despite facing her own challenges, she continues to lift others up—first as a full-time volunteer and now as the dedicated Volunteer Coordinator at the St. Lucie campus. Ann is a guiding light to everyone she meets, especially the youth she mentors with a mother’s heart.”

Meet Rafaela...
She was referred to Developmental Intervention program by the ASQ (Ages & Stages Questionnaire) program due to 12-month scores showing significant delay on gross motor skills.

On July 16th, during the initial visit, Rafaela's mother shared her concerns with the Developmental intervention specialist, and that same day it was observed that Rafaela was afraid of being placed on the floor and only wanted to be held by mom. Mom was desperate because the only way she could do the chores at home was if she had Rafaela in her arms or if she put her in the walker. When Rafaela’s mom tried to stand her by holding her with both arms, she would only place her feet in tippy toes.  

Throughout home visitations, our Developmental Intervention Specialist provided activities and ideas through play that stimulated Rafaela’s gross motor skills and with mom’s support she was able to feel comfortable on the floor. Mom also began to feel relief by knowing that her child only needed stimulation to gain the confidence she needed to strive.  

 

Your generosity makes it possible for us to deliver the support and skillsets that empower people to succeed.

 

We’re excited to share that Helping People Succeed has created an Amazon Wish List for all programs, making it easy to support the families and individuals we serve in a tangible way.
The items on this list are essential tools and supplies that help our team deliver high-quality care and services every day. When you purchase an item and have it sent directly to us, you’re helping reduce operational costs, allowing more of our funds to be allocated to other critical areas of need.
Thank you for supporting our mission in this meaningful way. Every item purchased strengthens our ability to provide top-notch care and ensures we can continue serving our community for many years to come.

 

 

We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of our underwriters and supporters who are helping us share our resources with the community, through our 2026 Art for Living Calendar sales. 
Vendor Locations Across Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee Counties:

• Helping People Succeed
• Brown Cow
• Sandhill Cove Retirement Living
• Stuart Endodontics
• St. Lucie County Cultural Alliance
• Red Barn
• Kamrell Windows and Doors
• The Dolphin Gift Shop
• Backus Gallery
• Peggy's Natural Foods

• The Colorado Inn
• Modern Edge Frameworks
• Palm City Art and Frame
• Beach Comber Hair Studio
• Frugal Framer
• Kaarina's Boutique
• Altair Hair Salon
• Stuart Art Supply
• Paws Required
• Crafted the Store

 

We’re excited to bring you monthly updates on all the incredible work happening at Helping People Succeed through our newsletter, The Success Connection. From program highlights and community partnerships to upcoming events and inspiring stories, each issue is designed to keep you informed and engaged.
Check your inbox on the first Monday of every month for the latest news. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media to stay connected and support our mission.
Thank you for reading The Success Connection!

 

 
Contact Us:
Helping People Succeed
1601 Success Drive
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
Phone: 772-320-0770
Email: info@hpsfl.org