April at Helping People Succeed was a flurry of activity, some of which is highlighted throughout this newsletter. As we move into May, Mental Health Awareness Month, we also enter the final stretch of our fiscal year. Today, we are launching our final campaign of the year, and I hope you will consider joining us in making an impact.
Last month, I wrote about our 9 summer camp programs that we will be running this year in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties.
Today, I want to introduce you to one extra special camp we are launching: a first-of-its-kind inclusion summer camp experience for youth with disabilities, mental health, and/or behavioral challenges in partnership with the Indiantown YMCA! In a month dedicated to raising awareness and support for mental health, there is no better time to bring this program to life.
What is special about this?
Did you know that for kids with disabilities, mental health, or behavioral challenges, traditional summer camps can be overstimulating, overwhelming, and anxiety-producing experiences?  As a result, many of these children and their families are unsuccessful in finding a suitable summer camp experience. At Helping People Succeed, our vision is to build inclusive communities, and so we have partnered with a traditional summer camp provider, the YMCA, to bring our specialized therapeutic camp model to the Y! 
Our expert-trained staff will provide the supports and training needed to ensure all campers, regardless of ability, are able to participate appropriately in engaging, summer activities, all with the right support!  This is a win for families, a win for kids who so often feel excluded, and a win for two partnering agencies leaning on their strengths to provide for our community together!
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, will you be part of this movement?
Help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 to support the staffing, training, materials, and experiences that will make this inaugural inclusion program a success for the community in Indiantown! Thanks to some early supporters, we have already raised $5000 towards this goal, and, with your help, we know that we can get to the finish line!
Thank you for being a supporter!

Not all attendees pictured, peep the new branding. ;) 

Thank you for sharing. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for making an impact.
Because of you, Helping People Succeed will receive 20% back from our Give Back Night at Dave & Buster’s. Your participation directly supports the programs and services that strengthen our community.
It was a great evening spent with coworkers, family, and friends. We shared a meal, played games, and highlighted the meaningful impact Helping People Succeed has on those we serve. Moments like these remind us that community connection is at the heart of everything we do.
A special thank you to the team at Dave & Buster’s for organizing such a fun and engaging event and for inviting us to be part of a little friendly competition.
We are so grateful to have you in our corner.

Because of you, the services we offer are engaging, hands-on, and truly impactful for the individuals we serve.
Last month, participants in our Adult Day Training program enjoyed a “legendary” day at Texas Roadhouse. From line dancing and a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour to bread making and sharing a meal together, every moment was an opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, and experience the hospitality industry in a meaningful way.
These are more than just activities. They are opportunities for connection, independence, and growth across the lifespan for individuals with disabilities.
And it all starts with you.
A monthly gift of just $5 can help sustain programs like this and expand inclusive opportunities for those we serve every single day.
Join us in making moments like this possible.
Give $5 a month and be part of the impact.

Helping People Succeed is extremely grateful for its partnership with Okeechobee Kiwanis.   At their meeting on April 16th, the Healthy Families program was honored to receive home safety supplies as well as a few cash donations to purchase additional safety supplies. The Okeechobee Fire Department was also in attendance and donated several boxes of smoke detectors. 
Working together with our community partners to assist families in ensuring their home environments are safe and secure for their little ones is a priority.

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, the Healthy Families team from our Birth to Five service area, along with staff from Our Village, Okeechobee Sheriff’s Office, Okeechobee Police Department, the Department of Children and Families, and members of BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) planted pinwheels in the Okeechobee community at each of their locations. 
Pinwheels for Prevention, is a national campaign designed to increase awareness of child abuse prevention efforts, is Florida’s statewide coordinated effort to highlight programs and activities that promote healthy child development and prevention of child abuse.
The campaign, coordinated by Prevent Child Abuse Florida, the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida and the Florida Department of Children and Families, creates awareness of the proven ideas that child abuse can be prevented.  Using pinwheel displays, the Okeechobee community is demonstrating its commitment to help its children live healthy, happy lives.

At 10 months old, a child we served was not yet moving independently, raising concerns for his first-time mother, who has a family history of autism spectrum disorder.
While he showed strengths such as eye contact, responding to his name, and engaging in play, he needed support with motor development.
A Developmental Intervention Specialist partnered with the family using a family-centered approach, embedding simple strategies into daily routines to encourage movement, exploration, and communication.

With consistent support, the child progressed from limited mobility to crawling, then to pulling up to stand and cruising along furniture. He also continued to grow in social, communication, and fine motor skills.
Just as importantly, his mother gained confidence and practical tools to support his development.
Today, he is actively exploring his environment with increasing independence, and his mother feels confident and hopeful about his continued progress, demonstrating the impact of early intervention and family-centered support.

ConnectSphere is where real connections lead to real opportunities! 
We show up for our businesses, our community, and each other with purpose!
Join us Thursday, May 7th, for an evening designed to build your network with intention. You’ll meet business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who show up for one another both in business and beyond.
What to Expect:
• Genuine relationship-building
• Local business spotlights
• Community nonprofit highlight
• Vendor showcase tables
• Light bites & good conversations
• 50/50 raffle supporting Helping People Succeed 
 FREE to attend open to all business owners and professionals.
We believe in showing up for our community, our businesses, and each other.
999 Lounge Bar
4245 SE Federal Hwy
Stuart, FL 34997
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bring your business cards, positive energy, a guest and cash for the 50/50 raffle opportunity.

This Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 9th, at Clover Park, home of the St. Lucie Mets, located at 31 Piazza Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. 
The race will begin at 8:00 AM, followed by the Kiddie Run at 9:00 AM.
Registration is $40 prior to race day and will increase to $50 on the morning of the event.
We are still welcoming both runners and walkers, as well as participants for our Kid Run. While the t-shirt deadline has passed, there is still plenty of excitement ahead!
Packet pick-up will take place on Friday, May 8th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Fleet Feet in Stuart: 2440 NW Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994. Registered participants will be greeted by Fred and Patty, one of our Mile Marker Sponsors and dedicated volunteers with the Success Network.
If you’re a baseball lover, you won’t want to miss this. Participants can attend a May 12th game with the St. Lucie Mets for just $5 by showing your finisher’s medal. It’s a fun way to celebrate, connect with the community, and continue supporting a great cause.
Click Below for Runner and Walker Registration

Helping People Succeed is looking for dedicated volunteers, especially in Okeechobee County to support our mission and strengthen our community.
Looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back? Or do you have a high school student needing volunteer hours? We have the perfect opportunity!
Join us for our Strides to Success 5K on May 9th. Not a runner or walker? No problem. You can still be part of the experience by volunteering and helping us make this event a success.
Click the button below to view available volunteer opportunities for Strides to Success 5K Run/Walk.
Not yet a member of the Success Network? Sign up today to get connected and start making a difference. Click here to join. We have a monthly Volunteer Orientation via TEAMS the 2nd Monday of each month at 2:00PM, save the link here and we will see you at the next orientation. 
Thank you for your interest and support! 

 

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.